I saw Sarah Silverman's "documentary" as my last event at the 2005 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. It provided a perfect, lingering finish to the week.
The film is one of the tightest pictures I've seen on comedy -- great clips from her live performances, with a balanced sprinkling of scenes about Silverman the person. I liked the use of her sister and brother-in-law to delve deeper into Silverman's approach to her craft. I see three things in Silverman from the work depicted in this film: (1) she catches our attention with stuff that is real -- themes with just enough current of truth; (2) she makes us pause and think with her incredible comedic timing; and (3) she relieves the tension, making our sides hurt with punch lines that elegantly tell us all not to take ourselves or life too seriously.
Those who take the time to research the background of Silverman's sister will appreciate the great wit contained in the simple act of casting her sister in the film. This flick takes a refreshing stab at people and life through comedy. Be sure to stick around for the outtakes more great fun. I hope Silverman keeps honing her skills and doing great work. I imagine she will constantly be forced to ignore those who would like to restrain her. It's clear that Silverman works hard at her writing and her stage presence; stuff this good doesn't just happen.
Silverman and this film are like a great Zinfandel -- strong intoxicating elements, with layers and layers of transcending substance and flavor.
The film is one of the tightest pictures I've seen on comedy -- great clips from her live performances, with a balanced sprinkling of scenes about Silverman the person. I liked the use of her sister and brother-in-law to delve deeper into Silverman's approach to her craft. I see three things in Silverman from the work depicted in this film: (1) she catches our attention with stuff that is real -- themes with just enough current of truth; (2) she makes us pause and think with her incredible comedic timing; and (3) she relieves the tension, making our sides hurt with punch lines that elegantly tell us all not to take ourselves or life too seriously.
Those who take the time to research the background of Silverman's sister will appreciate the great wit contained in the simple act of casting her sister in the film. This flick takes a refreshing stab at people and life through comedy. Be sure to stick around for the outtakes more great fun. I hope Silverman keeps honing her skills and doing great work. I imagine she will constantly be forced to ignore those who would like to restrain her. It's clear that Silverman works hard at her writing and her stage presence; stuff this good doesn't just happen.
Silverman and this film are like a great Zinfandel -- strong intoxicating elements, with layers and layers of transcending substance and flavor.