Review of Lenny (1974) by Phil F — 25 Sep 2011

In Lenny, Dustin Hoffman delivers a titillating interpretation of the life of blue stand-up comic, Lenny Bruce. Hoffman is one of the greatest actors of all time, and this impressive performance bolsters his exceptional resume.

Lenny Bruce was a talented, but extremely troubled and controversial show-business figure delivering an act that most people in the still overly-conservative early 60s were not ready for. He freely explored risque and taboo themes in his stand-up act, and also was a master of improvisation.

He would pave the way for other comedians like Carlin and Pryor, who would take Bruce's use of profanity to the next level. Bruce's act came under immense fire, as police and the courts deemed his act obscene (even though Amendment 1 was written to protect free speech), and went after him mercilessly.

Undaunted at first, Bruce finally succumbed to the constant pressure of being indicted for the lewd content of his stage spectacle. He essentially lost his mind, and his once vibrant shows were reduced to boring dictations of transcripts from his court appearances, punctuated by periodic tirades.

Eventually, he developed an uncontrollable addiction to heroin, which would eventually kill him. Great film. Fosse exhibits his unmistakable cinematic style as director. Four stars.