Cracked Up

Darrell Hammond's story of a survivor of childhood trauma really resonated with me.

I like how he says, "I won. But I hobble." That pretty much sums up how it feels as we get older and live with our childhood trauma. It's not a matter of stuffing it away, or crying it out, or forgetting about it.

Being hurt by the very people we thought were there to protect us causes the brain to rewire, to try to make sense of what is happening.

This film is so powerful, moving, and sometimes funny, Darrell is a comedian.

We hear about some of the specific events that happened to him and can only imagine others. We learn how he lived with it, coped with it and has come to terms with it. He talks about medications, doctors, and his personal demons.

It brought me to tears.

A few of the more memorable lines from "Cracked UP"

"If you want to stay alive you have to come up with something." "You have to forgive yourself for the way you tried to take care of yourself." "To wake up one morning and bot be scared, wow." "Your disrespecting me devastate me. But -- is the world gonna end?"

Inspiring, brave and important story and on the other hand wake up call for psychiatry and treating people with mental health problems.

So many artists throughout the centuries have led difficult lives. Those experiences more often than not are channeled into something beautiful. This is one of those stories.

If you have ever had any type of trauma in your life, I would suggest taking a look at this well produced documentary on Hammond's life. Sometimes something very familiar even if it is tragic can bring closure. I believe this film can do that for so many.

--RB

I always thought Hammond had the most talent out of all the superstars he's worked with during his historic stint at SNL. His impressions were spot on and timeless classics that are still quoted today. With all that, I always felt he didn't get the recognition he deserved and I never really saw any interviews with him. This documentary sheds light on the man of a thousand voices like never before and I'm and even bigger fan after watching.

If you, or anyone close to you has experienced childhood trauma, you may need support watching this documentary. It is raw, honest and heart-wrenching. It is worth the watch. Thank you, Darrell Hammond.