Last night, thanks to my good mate Leeann, I was lucky enough to get a free ticket to a preview screening of The Aristocrats (IMDB link). It’s been out in the US for some time now but only just coming out here. The Aristocrats is a documentary about an in-joke amongst comedians that has been around for decades. If you can stomach humour that mentions incest, bestiality, scatology and various other violent and depraved sex acts, this movie is for you. Personally, I was in tears from laughter.
“The Aristocrats” is a joke that has been with comics since Vaudeville. “The Aristocrats” is a joke that is never told in public, a private joke for comedians, so you’ve never heard it before. It’s a secret handshake among comics. It is also the dirtiest joke you will ever hear.
Some of my favourite comedians were featured in the hundred or so interviewed in the making of this film. Gilbert Gottfried, an old favourite was featured prominently (amazing), along with the likes of George Carlin, Steven Wright, the editorial staff of The Onion, Monty Python’s Eric Idle, Kevin Pollack (best. Walken. impersonator. ever), Harry Shearer, Chris Rock… the list keeps going. I must say Sarah Silverman is a new favourite of mine - go the funny ladies! There is an appearance from Penn and Teller and in fact Penn Jillette executive produced the film. Oh and look out for a dark side of Bob Saget (”Can I get a copy of this? I’d like to send it to the kids on the show Full House“) that you may have never seen before…
Anyway, to cut a long story short, go and see this film, or get it out when it makes it to DVD - if you aren’t easily offended that is.
I’ve heard a lot about this movie, one of them being that Ron Jeremy shows off his comic skills… I’d be interested to see that.