Review of History of the World: Part I (1981) by Bernie S — 14 Oct 2012
History of the World Part I is certainly not one of Mel Brooks' most popular films. It seems to be more of a niche film than anything. It certainly seems a lot more clever than some of his other work, which probably has a little something to do with it.
It's definitely not bad though, and I find it highly enjoyable. It almost feels like an outright play on the works of Stanley Kubrick. You have the opening segment, aimed squarely at 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Roman section, which reminds one very much of Spartacus, and finally you have the 18th Century segment, which feels like a take on Barry Lyndon a bit.
I don't know if that was intentional, but it certainly feels that way to me. The film doesn't flow very well compared to some of his other straighforward work and the middle section drags a bit at times, but this is very funny stuff.
It's wildly irreverent and is Mel Brooks at his best. A true classic of the spoof genre, if there ever was one.
This review of History of the World: Part I (1981) was written by Bernie S on 14 Oct 2012.
History of the World: Part I has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
