Comedian

2002, Documentary, 1h 22m

91 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

Comedian is an insightful look at the hard work of creating comedy. Read critic reviews

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Comedian Photos

Comedian (2002)

Comedian (2002)

Comedian (2002)

Comedian (2002)

Comedian (2002)

Jerry Seinfeld and George Shapiro.

Jerry Seinfeld.

Jerry Seinfeld.

Jerry Seinfeld.

View All Photos (27)

Movie Info

This documentary focuses on two stand-up comedians -- Jerry Seinfeld and Orny Adams -- whose careers are vastly different. Seinfeld is a veteran of the comedy trenches and is well-known for his TV sitcom, while Adams is a rising star in the business and who is nowhere near as successful. Both comics are in crisis, to some degree. Seinfeld wants to relaunch his standup career, and Adams wants regular gigs on the late-night TV circuit and eventually a sitcom.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Documentary
Original Language:

English
Director:

Christian Charles
Producer:

Gary Streiner
Release Date (Theaters):

Oct 11, 2002 original
Release Date (Streaming):

Oct 11, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA):

$2.7M
Runtime:

1h 22m
Distributor:

Miramax Films
Sound Mix:

Surround

Cast & Crew

Jerry Seinfeld
Self

Greg Geraldo
Self

Sherrod Small
Self

Jim Norton
Self

Godfrey
Self

Orny Adams
Self

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Comedian

All Critics (91) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (70) | Rotten (21)

Full Review… Marjorie Baumgarten Austin Chronicle

Full Review… Bob Longino Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Full Review… Roger Moore Orlando Sentinel

Full Review… Bill Muller Arizona Republic

Full Review… Robert Denerstein Denver Rocky Mountain News

Full Review… Ann Hornaday Washington Post

Full Review… Joel Siegel Good Morning America

Full Review… Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand

Full Review… Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review

Full Review… Joe Lozito Big Picture Big Sound

Full Review… Betsy Bozdech DVDJournal.com

Full Review… Pablo Villaça Cinema em Cena

View All Critic Reviews (91)

Audience Reviews for Comedian

Sep 06, 2012

An interesting look to the obsession, tension, hard work and sadness behind the comedy.

Lucas M Super Reviewer
Aug 18, 2009

Comedian follows two comics and up-in comer (Orny Adams) and a veteran (Jerry Seinfield) Both entertaining and a slap in the face for anyone who thinks after a hit sitcom you can just go back on stage and kill using your presence. Just not the truth, If I can paraphrase Steve Martin stand-up comedy is the single most difficult thing in show business because every other aspect of show business you can hide behind something so the audience doesn't see you wether it's a camera or a script. With stand-up your audience is right in front of you. It's a real no holds barred business. Lot's of great cameos keep this film from being a pbs special. A new favorite documedy of mine.

rocko p Super Reviewer
Aug 16, 2008

A good doc. Orny Adams is a worrying bitch, he makes me not want to worry ever again. Seriously, if anyone wants to make it in entertainment should watch this and take "Barry"s advice - relax. It was cool to see the community of comedians calming down a legend. I enjoyed it even though I wanted to see what happened to Adams - hopefully, failure.

matt s Super Reviewer
Aug 15, 2008

I thought this was a very interesting watch. Seinfeld a comedian who is trying to get back into the groove of being a stand-up comic. There are plenty'O cameos from fellow comics. There is also another comic called "Orny Adams" who is an up and coming comic who is a complete asshole. There is no other way to describe him. It was interesting to see his story as well. It has a couple good jokes there to keep you entertained a neat insight.

Marion R Super Reviewer

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