Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth

I caught this documentary on the Sundance channel, knowing Lenny Bruce very well as being influential (I listened to one of his later recordings) though not knowing a whole lot on why he became the most controversial comic of the pre-Vietnam era. What I learned was that Lenny Bruce's story - of rising to fame as a satirist and stand-up comic after working in strip joints, and then being put down by the legal machinations of the United States government - is both hilarious and engrossing, and here and there a (necessary) downer. What the system pulled over on Lenny was a travesty, and the mere fact that (technically) the charge of swearing/indecency still stands decades later is an insult to, if any, meaning by the constitution. When Lenny does do his act in the film, one who's never heard most of his material can be drawn in, the style in which he lays his bits is extraordinary. If one had to describe this film to someone who hasn't seen it, or perhaps might not know who Lenny Bruce is (most of my friends don't, though they know his descendents like George Carlin), 'Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth' is about a terrific wordsmith who's self-esteem got crushed to oblivion & suicide by those who felt that they had the right over another person's language. It also includes some good narration by old Bobby De Niro. Grade: (strong) A

That Lenny Bruce represents one of the most important cultural figures in the twentieth century can be verified by a scan of the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" cover art. Lenny's there, honored by the Beatles as one of their chief inspirations. Modern-day-comedy, from Richard Pryor to Bill Hicks to any episode of "South Park" would be unimaginable if Bruce had not first blazed the trail. His bitter attacks on hypocritical moralism, segregation, and sexual double-standards were as far ahead of his comic contemporaries as James Joyce was ahead of his fellow novelists. This documentary is the best film on Lenny, even besting the excellent Dustin Hoffman biopic, which failed to capture Bruce's incredible wit. Robert DeNiro's voice-over provides a nice counterpoint to the comedy footage and the interviews are revealing. The editing is seamless, enhancing the intimate cinematography. Hopefully, this will soon be released on DVD.

I saw this documentary right after it came on HBO, for the first time (8yr. or so ago). For those who are not familiar with Lenny Bruce, this film is a must to see. I have to say the same for those who know of Lenny (like if you have read "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People", or whatever). Though if you don't have that book, (this is to everyone) please buy it.

Back to the film, I think that this documentary is one of the best of it's time (later 90's). This is a great depiction of his life, and basically the sacrifices that he was confronted with. I have to applaud Robert Weide for this work. As a filmmaker he truly (though a true fan of Lenny), remained realistic without bias. To top it off Robert De Nero is the narrator.

The only thing else I can say is, "we should all be thankful that we had a Lenny Bruce, for if not for him we would not have the great performers we have today".

(Please Watch this Film if you can / and Don't Forget the BOOK!)

Lenny Bruce is an iconic figure from post-war America. He is viewed today, both as a martyr in the struggle for freedom of expression, and as a giant in stand-up comedy showing the way to an entire generation of comedians that followed him. "Lenny Bruce: Dare to Tell the Truth" fleshes out the icon and presents Lenny as a human being. Following the chronology of Lenny's life from WWII till his premature death in 1965, the film is enhanced by interviews with Lenny's mother, ex-wife, daughter and associates.

No new facts about Lenny's life or motivations are revealed in the movie; it's all stuff we already know. Nonetheless, it is a very well made documentary, presenting Lenny as a real person, and for that reason should be viewed by people interested in this influential American.

It mat be a cliche to call documentaries like this "fascinating" and "informative" but this one is. Rather than simply hearing a bunch of people tell you how funny, insightful and human Lenny Bruce was, you can judge for yourself from the extensive film clips shown here, ones you are unlikely to have seen anywhere else.

One of the big revelations here is how well-rounded a talent Bruce was. He was not just a one (sick)-joke performer, as archive footage of some of his early TV appearances show. Another clip has him singing a song of his own composition, "All Alone," worked into material concerning his breakup with his beloved wife Honey. She, Bruce's mother Sally Marr, and other friends contribute many colorful reminiscences. Yet another bit of footage has Bruce holding a sidewalk news conference naming names of those who suggested that he could bribe a judge in one of his many obscenity trials. You would swear this amazing scene couldn't possibly have been an impromptu session, yet it was.

The talk of Bruce and freedom of speech is not just a lot of liberal breastbeating; what happened to him was a disgrace. That he was prosecuted so many times for obscenity is the true outrage here. The documentary might go a little easy on his drug use but that really isn't what the man was all about anyway. Watch this film and find out.