Bitter Jester

An interesting look at comedians and what isn't always shown on stage in their personal lives. This movie follows one comedienne Maija, who achieved fame and prestige and almost too early in her career and had to reinvent herself as a comedian.

The movie is full of interviews with an A-list of performers, Whoopi Goldberg, Chevy Chase, Jerry Stiller, Rita Rudner, Richard Belzer, Christopher Titus Lisa Lampenelli, and two of my favorites George Carlin and Richard Pryor. I think this is one of the last interviews of Richard Pryor.

If you want to see the drama that begets comedy, you'll love this one.

A very honest, funny and extremely well made documentary about comedy! This project was done by comic/filmmaker Maija DiGiorgio! She wrote, directed, and starred in this film, which screened on the festival circuit at Cinequest, TriBeca Film Festival, and the US Comedy Arts Festival amongst other places. The movie gives a complete behind the scenes struggles of a new comic (Miss DiGiorgio)who also happens to be bi-racial trying to make it in the cut throat world of her chosen profession. Bitter Jester has some of the biggest names in comedy such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Paul Mooney and Whoopi Goldberg..just to name a few! Thoroughly entertaining!

Many films have characters to hide behind. This film was so without vanity and raw and honest and kudos to Maija for baring her emotional scars out there for the world to see. I thought it was an excellent film. I so appreciate the struggle and the adversity she faced and overcame. I thought. The Richard Pryor footage was well done and judiciously applied. The moment of truth for me was the advice Whoopi Goldberg gave her. The interaction with her friends were priceless. Its a real reality film with nascent comedians who are now world famous. I could not believe all of the obstacles in her path she faced. So this film is a must see.It is a great almost biopic of a talented person.

I don't know if this documentary is available anywhere, but this film does have elements worth checking out if you can find it, especially if you are prepared for the amateur film making and the overpowering, and sometimes nerve wracking, presence of star-by-proxy Kenneth Simmons. I caught this at the 2003 New York Film Festival and met with many of the members of the production in the theater after the screening. I can vouch that they are the real deal. In fact, they may have even edited out some things to make it more palatable.

I agree with Soybomb89's excellent review, so refer to that for more details. Suffice to say, this film is like watching a train wreck, both fascinating and yet tragically nauseating at the same time. I would not fault someone for hating it, it shows they have a soul, but there are many redeeming qualities about it as well. A hilarious interview with Gilbert Godfried comes to mind. I also think director Maija Di Giorgio is to be commended for working well with limited resources, especially experience. Given more of the latter, I believe she could become an excellent filmmaker.

Bitter Jester is one-of-a-kind for many reasons. The all-star cast, the never-seen-before behind-the-scenes look at the world of comedy, the precious interview with Richard Pryor and the enduring strength of its director and star Maija DiGiorgio. Maija takes us on a personal journey through the world of comedy sharing her victories and brick walls, and the advice and guidance she receives from a cast of well-known comics. Maija is a gorgeous woman! She's got obvious energy for her work and throws herself into this movie with deep honesty that shows through as she chronicles her victories and frustrations. A follow-up to Bitter Jester is in order – I hope with Maija's talent to see her directing, acting and producing. She has a knack and her passion shows through in this film. She's not a talent to shelve, but should be allowed to express her passion!