Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

His comedy came from the heart and so was authentically funny. Don't get hung up on the language, get into the idea of laughing at the human frailties and contradictions we live with yet never acknowledge openly. The early material shown in contrast to his HBO specials shows the growth of his "comedic genius" as his brother (the narrator) states. The clips of his preaching show where his energy originated. If you once deeply believed in something, you are able (as Sam did) to skewer it most effectively. Sadly, the hidden irony of the movie is that DNA testing shows that Sam apparently fathered a child with the wife of one of the primary storytellers (Carl LeBove, his "best friend") but this is nowhere mentioned.

A very good bio of the life and times of one of the greatest comedians of our time. Sam Kinison was truly a one of a kind talent. Interviews with Jay Leno, Richard Pryor, Sam's brother and former manager Bill and a host of others make for a good bio of Sam. If you're a Kinison fan see it! If you're not see it anyway.

For fans of Sam's work, this film provides insight into the mind and art of one of the most off-the-wall comedians to come along since Lenny Bruce. It includes some good footage of Sam's early careers, but the viewer is left with as many questions as answers. Interviews with notables such as Jay Leno and Richard Pryor provide some needed depth. For those who appreciate "extreme" humor, I would recommend this one.

Sam Kinison was brilliant. He was not vulgar, nor was he obscene. Rather, he used X-Rated material and verbiage to express comedic commentary on a variety of topics. And the funny thing about it was that he told the truth. He was superb at it. And that's why we laughed. This film won awards for "best direction" and "best documentary" and deservedly so. Larry Carroll did a commendable job interweaving live performances with peer commentary and narrative. Beverly D'Angelo and Richard Pryor are particularly effective with brother Bill Kinison as Executive Producer and partial host. This is an insightful film of a man who finally found his place and "let it rip".

It' s a pleasant enough overview of the man and his career, but skips out on some detail in the attempts for brevity. There were other specials that they could have pulled material from, but it's mostly from one. For a coles notes of him, this works, but further investigation is warranted at this comedy legend.