'Albert Brooks: Defending My Life' Documentary Celebrates Comedy Icon's Career

Directed by Rob Reiner, the film features interviews with peers and admirers, highlighting Brooks' unique comedic style and his influence on generations of comedians.

The documentary 'Albert Brooks: Defending My Life' is a celebration of the comedy icon's career, directed by Rob Reiner and featuring interviews with peers and admirers.
The film highlights Brooks' unique comedic style and his influence on generations of comedians, with Conan O’Brien stating that Brooks broke the sound barrier of comedy.
Brooks' comedy was rooted in his own arrogance, fears, insecurities, and failings, and he traces some of that back to the untimely death of his father at a 1958 Friars Club gala.
The documentary covers Brooks' early career as a stand-up comedian, his breakthrough appearances on The Tonight Show, and his transition to film, where he wrote, directed, and starred in movies like 'Real Life', 'Modern Romance', 'Lost in America', and 'Defending Your Life'.
The film also discusses Brooks' acting roles in other artists’ projects, including his debut in 'Taxi Driver', his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Broadcast News', and his voice work in 'Finding Nemo'.

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