2016 | G | 1 Hr 1 Min | Documentary | Hulu
Writer: Gregory Monro
Stars:
Jerry Lewis
Martin Scorsese
Sean Hayes
Synopsis:
Since the early days, Jerry Lewis - in the line of Chaplin, Keaton, and Laurel - had the masses laughing with his visual gags, pantomime sketches, and signature slapstick humor. Yet Lewis was far more than just a clown. He was also a groundbreaking filmmaker whose unquenchable curiosity led him to write, produce, stage and direct many of the films he appeared in, resulting in such adored classics as The Bellboy, The Ladies Man, The Errand Boy, and The Nutty Professor. By becoming a "total filmmaker," Lewis surpassed expectations as a comic performer and emerged as a driving force in Hollywood. He broke boundaries with his technical innovations, unique voice, and keen visual eye, even garnering respect and praise overseas. However, American critics and the cultural elite tended to reject his abrasive art. While they viewed Lewis as nothing more than just a clown, others like the French recognized him as a true auteur, giving rise to questions that have perplexed American pop culture for over 50 years: Why do Europeans love Jerry Lewis? What is this inexplicable aversion Americans have towards him? Is he just a brash, anything-for-yuk buffoon? Or is he a creative genius? Who is the man behind the clown?
Sadly this falls short on "something new" being a big fan of Jerry and all that he has done for The Muscular Dystreofphy association I was looking for something to fill in the gaps of his later years. It may skimp on that part but I will say it did dive into his childhood a little more giving you a glimpse into what made him. If you have never read his book or seen any other documentary about the man than this is a good little look into his life, with the big bulk being his early career.
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