Lenny (1974)

The life of controversial legendary comedian Lenny Bruce (Dustin Hoffman) and his rise and fall. Based on the play by Julian Barry (who adapted his play for the screen) and directed by Bob Fosse (SWEET CHARITY). Told in a non linear narrative with some of the important people in his life being interviewed: his wife (Valerie Perrine in an Oscar nominated performance), his mother (Jan Miner) and his agent (Stanley Beck). Shot in a B&W semi documentary style by Bruce Surtees (PLAY MISTY FOR ME), it's an absorbing biography that takes a different approach to the usual movie bios. Dark and gritty with excellent performances, Fosse doesn't romanticize Lenny Bruce. But I must confess that while I can appreciate Bruce's pushing the envelope in comedy and exposing social hypocrisies (especially in language and social injustice), I just don't find the man funny! But you don't have to find him funny to admire his irreverent audacity and paving the way for future comics like George Carlin. This may be my favorite Hoffman performance and Valerie Perrine does some terrific work here, she never had a better role. With Gary Morton and Rashel Novikoff.