Where I Watched It: MAX

English Audio Description?: Yes

I can’t quite remember my first film of Albert Brooks. It wasn’t Finding Nemo, so don’t worry. I have enjoyed his work for years, and until this documentary, I never really knew about the Albert Brooks that came before his notable film career. That might sound strange. But, while I always knew Brooks could handle comedy, I always just assumed he was a regular actor who was good at being funny. After all, have you seen Broadcast News? It doesn’t scream “stand up”, as there’s this connection he has with Holly Hunter, a vulnerability to the audience as he realizes that his wit is not enough to get him the anchor’s chair. And it likely won’t be enough for him to land the girl either.

So, in this new documentary from Rob Reiner, color me surprised that Brooks had a life to defend. Marlin? Marlin was a subversive comic? Yeah. He was. And as the film plays out, brooks is willing to talk about all of it. From originally being born Albert Einstein, to finally answering for smoking weed on Johnny Carson, Brooks has a lot I didn’t know about, and a lot to say about it.

Like a lot of the other films this year, this is yet another documentary in a long line of films that is centered around a singular celebrity, like we’ve seen Michael J Fox, Steph Curry, Judy Blume, Pamela Anderson, and so many others do this year. I think what makes this a little different is Reiner at the director’s chair, making sure this film has a clear vision and a voice.

Audio description wise, there is a lot of talking going on, so we miss a lot of broad description about the older footage. It is pretty much the extreme narration

Much like the others, if you like Albert Brooks, watch this. If not, then this probably won’t do much for you.

Final Grade: A-