Lenny 4K 1974 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

The story of American stand-up comedian Lenny Bruce.

Review 4K Movie

Lenny Bruce! A boring club comedian or a great satirist of American social norms? Which is more real: his cynical satire or his life, marked by dark periods? What is his audience laughing at—themselves or his jokes?

This film by the magnificent Bob Fosse, starring the equally magnificent Dustin Hoffman, tells the story of the famous 1960s comedian Lenny Bruce, leaving out not a single sordid moment from his tumultuous life. A bleak and unsuccessful start to his career in whiskey-soaked bars. Marriage and family life with the stripper Honey, which gradually gave way to a life of heroin, divorce, reconciliation, and drugs once again. Constant legal battles due to his obscene stage banter. And even his final stage appearance in a state of complete heroin-induced euphoria.

The film’s screenplay is structured so that every event in Lenny’s life is immediately juxtaposed with one of his performances on a similar theme. The popular comedian, portrayed by Hoffman, mocked himself as part of society. He mocked a society that saw itself in his satire, and everyone laughed. After all, Lenny is damn funny.

Politics, racial oppression, ethical impropriety, immorality, and various forms of adultery. How relevant this is at all times. Think about what’s so trendy and popular here in Russia, what makes the progressive part of the population laugh so hard. Comedy clubs or KVN. Well, comedy clubs like that have always existed and always will. In any country with freedom of speech and at any time. But in different forms. And only the social context will change.

From the perspective of cinematic art, “Lenny” is a film without any weak points. I would even say it’s a film that fits the term “classic.” Another deep bow to Bob Fosse, Dustin Hoffman, and, of course, Valerie Perrin.