‘Dying Laughing’: Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock & More Recount Nightmares In Stand-Up Comedy
Following thetrailer for the Showtime seriesI’m Dying Up Here, we have a look at another fascinating glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy, this time one from the real world.
Dying Laughingis a new documentary that feels like it should have been calledI’m Dying Up Here, because it features one-on-one interviews with stand-up comedians likeJerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Cedric The Entertainer, Russell Peters, the lateGarry Shandlingand more, all talking about their worst experiences on stage. These are the times when the bombed, died, crashed and all the other words which describe the worst thing that can happen to a comedian on stage: not getting laughs.
Watch theDying Laughingtrailer below.
Other features comedians talking about their worst stage experiences includeBilly Connolly, Steve Coogan, Mike Epps, Jerry Lewis, Sarah Silverman, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Eddie Izzardand even Oscar nomineeJamie Foxx, who some forget got his start in stand-up and sketch comedy.
Dying Laughingpremiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival last year, and was picked up by Gravitas Ventures for release in limited theaters and on VOD this year. DirectorsPaul ToogoodandLloyd Stantonhad this to say about their movie:
The Hollywood Reportercaught the documentary last year, and it sounds like despite being a bit repetitive at times and covering some territory that has been explored in other comedy documentaries, it’s still worth a watch:
Every comedian has stories like this, from the rising stars to the top tier performers, and they’re always fascinating to listen to. Apparently, Toogood and Stanton interviewed twice as many comedians as ended up in the final cut, and I’d love to pore over all that extra footage. Maybe some of it will be released on home video.
Dying Laughinghits limited theaters and VOD onFebruary 24.
