“I am not a comedian… I am Lenny Bruce.”
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Synopsis:
Lenny Bruce debunks the obscenity charges made against him in New York City.
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Response to Peary’s Review:
Lenny Bruce’s second-to-last live performance is crudely shot, lacking in focus, and only intermittently funny. Nonetheless, Bruce still manages to come across as both highly intelligent and naturally witty, and it’s easy to catch glimpses of his genius through the haze of his (legitimate) obsession with the “politics of obscenity”. Most enjoyable for me was seeing what a master Bruce was at voice characterizations — watch how easily and convincingly he’s able to switch from character to character during his running jokes.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Bruce’s improvisatory discussion of the obscenity charges made against him
- The skewering “How the Jew and the Negro Got Into Show Business” schtick (much less offensive than it sounds)
- If you’re renting the DVD, don’t miss the oddly hilarious short “Thank You Mask Man”, in which one of Bruce’s most famous running jokes is set to animation
Must See?
Yes. As Lenny Bruce’s only live performance preserved on film, it holds a special place in cultural history.
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Posted on June 19th, 2006 by admin
Filed under: Response Reviews
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