Thursday, November 23, 2023

ALBERT BROOKS: DEFENDING MY LIFE-Hilarious Doc on an Endlessly Talented Entertainer

Albert Brooks is an actual genius.  Actually, he's Albert Einstein.  Albert Brook was born Albert Einstein in 1947 to show business parents in Beverly Hills.  Brooks changed his last surname from Einstein to Brooks after graduating from high school.  Former classmates include Richard Dreyfuss and Rob Reiner.  Since then, Rob and Albert have remained "best friends".  Their friendship and mutual admiration is apparent without being indulgent in this ongoing interviews with interludes of past comic skits, movie roles and adulations from A list show biz people who have their own sharp take on what it takes to make it in this business.  Among those paying tribute are Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Judd Appatow, Jon Stewart, James Brooks, Steven Spielberg and Larry David to name a few who put Brooks at the very precipice of comedy, acting, directing and movie making.  The one celeb who stood out as out of his league  amongst this prestigious group was TV reporter Brian Williams (and whose credibility has already been tarnished).  I advise editing him out of the picture.  Otherwise, this comprehensive retrospective which bestows respect from elite entertainers is endless fun for die hard fans and for those soon to become fans for his pioneering career which further entails writing, editing, voice overs, stand-up and dramatic and comedic acting. The deep bond between Albert and Rob exudes a palpable warmth that makes this biopic a delightful sojourn through memory lane and iconic movie moments.  There are older comic bits that are so absurdist or outrageous they have to be seen to be believed for his courageous humor.  His bit as a nitwit ventriloquist is hilarious not to mention courageous.  All the major stars heaping praise on Brooks in the film already consider him at the forefront in a field laden with major talents.  David Letterman said "I'd trade my career for Alberts".  ALBERT BROOKS: DEFENDING MY LIFE further assures his legacy as a leading pioneer in movies, comedy and TV.  

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