Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead
A look at the history of the American comedy publication and production company, National Lampoon, from its beginning in the 1970s to 2010, featuring rare and never before seen footage, this is the mind boggling story of The National Lampoon from its subversive and electrifying beginnings, to rebirth as an unlikely Hollywood heavyweight, and beyond. A humour empire like no other, the impact of the magazines irreverent, often shocking, sensibility was nothing short of seismic: this is an institution whose (drunk stoned brilliant) alumni left their fingerprints all over popular culture. Both insanely great and breathtakingly innovative, The National Lampoon created the foundation of modern comic sensibility by setting the bar in comedy impossibly high.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of National Lampoon, the influential magazine that pushed comedic boundaries and launched the careers of some of comedy's biggest stars. It delves into the magazine's early days, its groundbreaking humor, and the excesses that ultimately led to its decline. Featuring archival footage and interviews with key figures, it paints a picture of a revolutionary force in American satire.
Critical Reception
Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead was widely praised by critics for its comprehensive and entertaining look at the National Lampoon's legacy. Reviewers lauded its insightful interviews, its ability to capture the chaotic energy of the magazine's era, and its frank exploration of both the triumphs and the destructive tendencies associated with its creators. It's considered a definitive account of a pivotal moment in comedy history.
What Reviewers Say
- A hilarious and insightful look at a legendary, often destructive, comedy institution.
- Captures the wild spirit and cultural impact of National Lampoon with impressive depth.
- Features a wealth of archival material and revealing interviews that make for compelling viewing.
Google audience: Audiences generally loved this documentary, praising its humor, its comprehensive exploration of the National Lampoon's history, and the retrospective look at its impact on comedy. Many found the interviews with the original creatives to be particularly engaging and entertaining.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with over 60 people involved in the National Lampoon's history, including many of its original writers and performers, though some key figures like John Belushi and Douglas Kenney were deceased and only appeared through archival footage and interviews.
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