Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

2023

1 hr. 22 min.

Documentary

Biography

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List

97%

32 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Since the late 1960s, Albert Brooks has been a major force in American comedy with his smart, sometimes absurdist, and truly unique sense of humor. From stand-up, to acting, to writing and directing short films, to his seven, iconic, original motion pictures, including "Modern Romance," "Lost in America," "Mother," and more, Brooks has paved the way for future generations and remains a comedic force in a league of his own. With testimonials from some of the brightest comedy talents and serious thinkers, as well as family and friends, ALBERT BROOKS: DEFENDING MY LIFE chronicles Brooks' very early work all the way to present day. In this deep and personal conversation, Reiner and Brooks explore the origins and evolution of Brooks' career, the impetus for his creativity, and the impact he has had on the world of comedy.

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Critics Consensus

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life offers an engrossing and suitably funny overview of its subject's career -- and one that'll leave you wanting to watch more of his work.

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Archie R

Its about time someone made a documentary about the Great Albert Brooks! I only wish it was longer!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Susan G

As a few others have said I was not completely familiar with Albert Brooks. I was blown away by the documentary. He seems responsible for so much of the comedy today. The documentary is hugely entertaining.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

Jeff M

Nothing in recent memory has brought me such joy than the many scenes in this documentary where best friends Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner just sit in a restaurant and talk - about life, about death, about show business and about their friendship since youth. I can't think of anything more entertaining - and sometimes moving and even thought-provoking. I had a great deal of respect for Brooks before this film; after, I think he might be a comic genius. I was not familiar with his earlier days as a stand-up comic. Thankfully, many clips are provided here - most of them literally had me laughing at loud, sometimes quite hard. Oddly enough, the scenes in which he talks about his films as a director - the scenes I expected to like the most - are actually the least interesting parts here. But I was still enthralled. Even though DEFENDING YOUR LIFE is one of my favorite movies of all-time, he doesn't have that extensive of a filmography as a director. Sometimes I which a documentary wondering why the filmmakers thought the subject was interesting enough to warrant a full-length motion picture. Brooks' life is more than worthy, and had the running time doubled, I wouldn't have minded one bit.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

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Michael W

This showbiz documentary was really good. Albert Brooks, Rob Reiner, and the entire crew did a fantastic job on making this documentary about one of the most famous comedians. Albert was funny and a true visionary. He had the talent to make great movies and make people laugh. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/24

Full Review

Sarah M

Love this film! I walked away with such an appreciation for what talent looks like and nostalgic for a time where entertainment came from those of great intelligence and true talent. A really lovely piece of work and done it a way that you truly feel like your learning about Albert Brooks from a friend (and you are from Rob R). Just a delight to watch honestly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/09/23

Full Review

Aldo G

A beautiful tribute to one of America's top comedians and filmmakers, Albert Brooks. It's funny, emotional and a must-see for all generations.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/01/23

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Rob Reiner

Director

Albert Brooks

Self

Rob Reiner

Self

Larry David

Self

Chris Rock

Self

Sarah Silverman

Self

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Albert Brooks: Defending My Life: Trailer

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Dan Einav

Financial Times

The 90-minute special doubles as both an end-of-career retrospective and an engaging introduction...

Rated: 4/5

Dec 15, 2023

Full Review

Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

Both a comprehensive primer and a nostalgic celebration, it successfully makes the case that few 20th-century funnymen were as daring, pioneering, or outright amusing.

Nov 11, 2023

Full Review

Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

This film will be a treat for anyone who loves any part of Brooks' career, or all of it. And its subject is so fascinating and open-hearted that one can imagine people who've never heard his name until now getting something out of it, too.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 10, 2023

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A documentary guaranteed to make you laugh about one of the greatest comedians of our time.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 27, 2023

Full Review

Robert W. Butler

Butler's Cinema Scene

A big chunk of the film is devoted to a conversation between Reiner and his subject... it’s like hanging out with a couple of good friends.

Rated: B+

Dec 7, 2023

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

For the Win (USA Today)

I’m not sure this style of documentary would work for everyone, but it sure as heck works for Albert Brooks. I could’ve watched this for 5 hours.

Dec 6, 2023

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Synopsis

Since the late 1960s, Albert Brooks has been a major force in American comedy with his smart, sometimes absurdist, and truly unique sense of humor. From stand-up, to acting, to writing and directing short films, to his seven, iconic, original motion pictures, including "Modern Romance," "Lost in America," "Mother," and more, Brooks has paved the way for future generations and remains a comedic force in a league of his own. With testimonials from some of the brightest comedy talents and serious thinkers, as well as family and friends, ALBERT BROOKS: DEFENDING MY LIFE chronicles Brooks' very early work all the way to present day. In this deep and personal conversation, Reiner and Brooks explore the origins and evolution of Brooks' career, the impetus for his creativity, and the impact he has had on the world of comedy.

Director: Rob Reiner
Executive Producer: Derrick J. Rossi, Hernan Narea, Jonathan Fuhrman, Michelle Goldfine, Jeffrey Stott
Distributor: HBO
Production Co: HBO Documentary Films, Castle Rock Entertainment
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 11, 2023

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