Imagine a world without Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, or even the timeless wit of 'The 2000 Year Old Man.' Unthinkable, right? That's the world without Mel Brooks, a comedic force who, even at 99, continues to shape humor as we know it. Judd Apatow's new documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man, isn't just a biography; it's a celebration of a life dedicated to laughter, resilience, and poking fun at… well, everything. But here's where it gets controversial: can any documentary truly capture the essence of a man whose genius lies in defying expectations and pushing boundaries?
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man explores the extraordinary journey of Mel Brooks - writer, director, producer, and performer. From his early days in television sketch comedy to his groundbreaking film and stage successes, the documentary showcases Brooks' unparalleled ability to use humor as a mirror reflecting the human condition. For nearly a century, he's offered audiences a path to connection, joy, and resilience through laughter. We see how this comedic legend fearlessly tackled taboo subjects, forever changing the landscape of comedy.
Mel Brooks stands as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on film, television, radio, and stage. Nearing his centennial birthday, Brooks remains as vibrant and engaged as ever, with talks of Spaceballs 2 swirling and his classic films like The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights remaining endlessly rewatchable. Judd Apatow, himself deeply influenced by Brooks, co-directs this two-part HBO documentary as both a tribute and a birthday gift. The 99 Year Old Man combines new interviews with archival footage to paint a comprehensive picture of Brooks' impact on Hollywood and the arts worldwide.
Each episode of Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man runs approximately 100 minutes. The first part delves into Brooks' youth and military service before focusing on his formative years working with Sid Caesar. Apatow weaves together past interviews with figures like Dick Cavett and Johnny Carson with contemporary insights from Brooks himself, shedding light on his early life, his first marriage, and his subsequent union with Anne Bancroft. The episode also explores the period following his success with Carl Reiner on "The Two Thousand Year Old Man", covering his directorial debut with The Producers, his less successful The Twelve Chairs, and culminating with the groundbreaking Blazing Saddles. Episode two picks up with Young Frankenstein and continues to the present day, examining less commercially successful ventures like Life Stinks, his on-screen pairing with Anne Bancroft in To Be or Not To Be, and the triumphant Broadway adaptation of The Producers, which set a Tony Award record with 12 wins. And this is the part most people miss: the documentary emphasizes how Brooks found purpose and maintained a positive outlook, even when critical acclaim was lacking, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his craft.
The documentary features a star-studded lineup of interviews with contemporaries, cast members, colleagues, and proteges, including Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Josh Gad, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Tracey Ullman, Robert Townsend, Peter Farrelly, Jerry & David Zucker, Barry Levinson, the late David Lynch, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, and Brooks' children (Stefanie, Nicolas, Eddie, and Max) and granddaughter (Samantha). The inclusion of interviews with Rob Reiner, son of Brooks' close friend Carl Reiner, adds a poignant layer, underscoring the late director's lasting influence. The overwhelming adoration expressed by Brooks' friends and colleagues overshadows any past negative reviews, highlighting the enduring love from his fans as the driving force behind his consistent success.
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man makes it abundantly clear that Brooks had two great loves: Anne Bancroft and Carl Reiner. It is both bittersweet and heartbreaking to witness how deeply the passing of his wife and best friend affected him. The film also reveals Brooks' resilience, his daily mental exercises, and his continued dedication to new projects like sequels to Spaceballs and Young Frankenstein. New interviews with Brooks, his children, and granddaughter offer insights into his role as a father, although the documentary remains largely reverent toward his comedic legacy. While the film acknowledges Brooks' shortcomings as a father, it never detracts from his iconic status. We learn how his Jewish identity and World War II experiences shaped his humor, and the documentary makes no apologies for any of his actions or creative choices – nor should it.
Co-directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, who have collaborated on projects like George Carlin’s American Dream and May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers, the documentary benefits from Apatow's personal connection to Brooks, evident in his on-screen interactions. While other recent documentaries have focused on figures like Eddie Murphy and Martin Scorsese, The 99 Year Old Man strikes a balance between loving tribute and behind-the-scenes exploration. While a comprehensive examination of every Brooks project would be an overwhelming task, Apatow and Bonfiglio successfully create an engaging and fast-paced four-hour experience.
Ultimately, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man serves as the ultimate birthday gift to a comedic legend, a supercut of iconic moments that have defined generations. Watching this documentary evoked joy and fond memories, prompting a desire to revisit some of Brooks' classic films. The 99 Year Old Man demonstrates how laughter can help us navigate even the most challenging global events, even if it cannot solve them. If Mel Brooks can endure tuberculosis outbreaks, World War II, and the COVID-19 pandemic with his signature wit and humor, we can all learn valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of laughter. A great introduction for newcomers and a nostalgic journey for longtime fans, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man is a must-watch. But here's the big question: Does the documentary shy away from the more controversial aspects of Brooks' humor, and does it fully address the criticism he has faced over the years? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man premiered in two parts on January 22nd and 23rd on HBO.
9
