Richard Pryor… Here and Now (1983)

Richard Pryor… Here and Now (1983)

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“It’s a great gift, being alive.”

Synopsis:
In his final live performance film, Richard Pryor directs himself in New Orleans as he reflects on his new life of sobriety.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Richard Pryor Films
  • Stand-Up Comedy

Review:
Richard Pryor starred in four performance films: Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin’ (1971/1985) (non-GFTFF; skip it); Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) (must-see); Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982); and this intimate, semi-improvised glimpse into his perspectives on life while 7 months clean and sober (for the first time since he was 14). Pryor is impressively relaxed on stage, interacting with audience members, dealing with hecklers, and improvising numerous times — such as when he’s given a live “pet” crab (right after completing a bit on genital crabs).

We also see him inhabiting his fictional elderly character of “Mudbone”, and, in a sad extended bit, simulating a junkie (i.e., himself) hitting up.

Fans won’t want to miss this one, though it’s not must-see viewing for all film fanatics.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

  • Many humorous, memorable moments

Must See?
No, but of course it’s must-see for Pryor fans.

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One thought on “Richard Pryor… Here and Now (1983)”

  1. First viewing. Only for fans… I guess.

    A couple of decent jokes here and there – with an emphasis on the f-bomb and the motherf-bomb, etc. passing for wit. For the most part, I found it tiresome.

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