Rating: Summary: I can't believe how much sexuality is packed in this gem! Review: There is some truth to this film that i really could care less about. Just enjoy the erotic stripteases and the foul-mouthed dialogue. I sure didn't.
Rating: Summary: Hoffman gives a stellar performance, on truth, hypocrisy. Review: This biographical picture, of '60's comedian Lenny Bruce, features an outstanding; stellar, performance,by Dustin Hoffman (and people thought he could only play parts like in "The Graduate") as the controversial (for the time) Lenny Bruce. Valerie Perrine, as Honey, his stripper wife is gorgeous. His performance, judged as obscene, would be fairly tame today (but remember, this was the '60's). The authorities used this as a pretext to shut him up (much like they'd use the "Patriot Act" today) because his political comments hit too close to home. A great movie about a funny, controversial, but ultimately sad figure and the end leaves some speculation as to whether Mr. Bruce's death was a suicide or an overdose. Anyway, great movie, but not one for the younger kids (although probably they've already heard and seen enough on tv, in music; particularly rap, and in other media that [as stated earlier] to make anything in this movie seem tame). Also has Jan Miner [if the name's unfamiliar, think "Madge" the "Palmolive" lady in the commercials.]
Rating: Summary: Hoffman gives a stellar performance, on truth, hypocrisy. Review: This biographical picture, of '60's comedian Lenny Bruce, features an outstanding; stellar, performance,by Dustin Hoffman (and people thought he could only play parts like in "The Graduate") as the controversial (for the time) Lenny Bruce. Valerie Perrine, as Honey, his stripper wife is gorgeous. His performance, judged as obscene, would be fairly tame today (but remember, this was the '60's). The authorities used this as a pretext to shut him up (much like they'd use the "Patriot Act" today) because his political comments hit too close to home. A great movie about a funny, controversial, but ultimately sad figure and the end leaves some speculation as to whether Mr. Bruce's death was a suicide or an overdose. Anyway, great movie, but not one for the younger kids (although probably they've already heard and seen enough on tv, in music; particularly rap, and in other media that [as stated earlier] to make anything in this movie seem tame). Also has Jan Miner [if the name's unfamiliar, think "Madge" the "Palmolive" lady in the commercials.]
Rating: Summary: Slightly Whitewashed? Review: This excellent portrayal of 60's comic icon Lenny Bruce is a tour de force for Dustin Hoffman even if the story is a little whitewashed. Fosse stays safe in presenting Lenny's persecution as being based on the profanity issue. In fact, the real issue was Lenny's condemnation of the Catholic Church which struck 60's America across the face with its bare contempt. Speaking against the Church wasn't prosecutable, but the profanity laws were still on the books at that time. Like Al Capone, the law figured out a way to bust Lenny. All in all, a very enjoyable film, especially for those unfamiliar with Lenny, who in the end got crucified for today's comics.
Rating: Summary: This film is a major disappointment, with Hoffman miscast. Review: This film is a major disappointment. It's primary flaw is, I hate to say it, Dustin Hoffman. He's just not funny. I sat through the whole movie and did not chuckle once at any of Bruce's routines as interpreted by Hoffman. I guess that shows how important timing and delivery is in comedy; obviously, Hoffman has neither. Lenny Bruce was not only a very thought provoking social commentator, but he was really funny. As a result, Hoffman was totally unconvincing to me as the comedian. Besides the problem with Hoffman, the movies "gritty' black and white cinamatography and documentary type look was overblown and pretentious. Lenny Bruce was a great and important comic of the early 1960s. He deserves a better film biography, maybe someday, someone will give us one.
Rating: Summary: Worthy of an academy award Review: This is a brillant review of Lenny Bruce's life. I was so mesmerized by this movie, I have read all the books of Lenny and Honey's life. It is truly fascinating.I have read the other reviews that say Dustin Hoffman wasn't cast correctly. I'm not sure I agree with that as I can't envision anyone else. Irrespective, Valerie Perrine was perfectly cast. This is not light entertainment so I suggest you have an interest in the subject or the time period. Also, his life style was not typical so conservative republicans may want to stay away from this movie. It might be a little upsetting to them.
Rating: Summary: truth will get you in jail Review: This is more or less the practical lesson that shows this movie. Truly, the obscene words and actuations of Lenny Bruce as seen in the screen could hardly scandalize nobody today, but well instead there are the mode of the politically correct. Yes, this comedian had a life a little frivolous, abused of drugs, had big success with women, but they love him: a very rare case few men know how achieve, and at last an entertainer rarely can drive his life as a judge (or yes?). The final conclusion for me is similar for many biographies of original scientists, artists, writers and in general, genial people or perhaps simply over the media: you can be different, you can even do exceptional discoveries... but that isn't good for your health because it disturbs "normal people".
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