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Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

2023 1h 22m Documentary Biography TRAILER for List
97% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
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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Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (22) audience reviews
Mason M I'm not usually a big fan of documentaries but this was quite good. I mostly enjoyed it because Albert Brooks is my favorite comedian and this was a well explained exploration of his career. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/07/24 Full Review ala b This film was incredible. Can’t believe they fit everything in 90 minutes! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/18/24 Full Review maggie l I came across this tonight on Max. I saw that it was nominated for several Emmy awards so I thought I would watch. This guy is amazing. The documentary really had some great moments. It felt like I discovered a new person who was always there. Highly recommended. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/17/24 Full Review Alan g One of the most depressing movies ever made. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/16/24 Full Review Dave R 2023 Documentary about the innovative, genius Comedian, filmmaker, actor that is Albert Brooks. The Director Rob Reiner takes us through Brooks's career via appearances on tv shows and films. As well as a sit down interview with Brooks and Reiner at Matteo's Restaurant in LA. Along with the many stars that are fans of Albert's. Such as Sharon Stone, Judd Apatow, James L Brooks, Larry David, Jonah Hill, Chris Rock, David Letterman, Nikki Glaser, Anthony Jeselnik, Conan O'brien, Sarah Silverman. After watching this Documentary you will need to see some of his great films like Mother (1996), The Muse (1999), Lost in America (1985) etc. Then you will want to go to Youtube and watch him on the Tonight Show and Letterman. I remember the first time I ever heard of Albert Brooks was his short films on SNL back in the 1970s which were so creative. Thank you Rob Reiner for showing us the career of your good friend Albert Brooks. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/23/24 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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
Producer
Rob Reiner, Michele Singer, Matthew George
Distributor
HBO
Production Co
HBO Documentary Films, Castle Rock Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 11, 2023
Runtime
1h 22m
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