Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

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.

From " Move to Where the Food is!" to his reasoning why Jesus could not be married, Kinison left me wanting more. He made us laugh because somehow...some way he joked about situations that happen... happened... in our lives from a unique perspective. This movie is good, especially for his old fans, and for anyone just discovering his work now that was not born by 1980. This movie gave me some closure and wanting more. Things like the closing song refrain " He Wore a Big Overcoat " have me asking :"How did I miss that song until 2023?". Looking now for that song... who wrote it?, etc. The song pivots from losing Sam Kinison to remembering Sam Kinison. Why did I laugh? Because his take on things rang true...

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.

most of the comedy footage was from Sam's famous HBO debut. Which we all know rocked. However, Sam had other performances! and they didn't even TOUCH Sam's notorious relationship with Jessica Hahn. Also, the extreme close ups of the celebrities are not necessary. i still give it a 8 out of 10 for the touching ending.