Misery Loves Comedy

Jan 23, 2015

1h 34m

★ 6.0

Kevin Pollak explores the dark side of comedy in this fascinating documentary.

Overview

Do you have to be miserable to be funny? More than sixty comedians—including stand-ups, writers, actors, and directors from the US, Canada, and abroad—take on this question, sharing anecdotes and insights with lively enthusiasm.

Genres

Comedy

Documentary

Production Companies

Heretic Films

Misery Loves Comedy Trailers

Cast

Self

Jon Favreau

Self

Kevin Smith

Self

Bobby Cannavale

Self

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Self

Matthew Perry

Self

Whoopi Goldberg

Self

Martin Short

Self

Jimmy Fallon

Self

Christopher Guest

Self

Janeane Garofalo

Self

Judd Apatow

Self

Stephen Merchant

Life's questions are 'answered' in a series of outrageous vignettes, beginning with a staid London insurance company which transforms before our eyes into a pirate ship. Then there's the National Health doctors who try to claim a healthy liver from a still-living donor. The world's most voracious glutton brings the art of vomiting to new heights before his spectacular demise.

7.0

Belushi

May 16, 2020

Using previously unheard audiotapes recorded shortly after John Belushi’s death, director R.J. Cutler’s documentary feature examines the too-short life of the once-in-a-generation talent who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences.

4.6

The Cookout

Sep 3, 2004

When Todd Anderson signs a $30 million deal with his hometown team, the New Jersey Nets, he knows that his life is set for a big change. To keep things real, he decides to throw a barbeque at his place -- just like the ones his family used to have. But when you have new and old friends, family, agents, and product reps in the same house, things are bound to get crazy.

6.1

Head

Nov 6, 1968

In this surrealistic and free-form follow-up to the Monkees' television show, the band frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing humor and anti-establishment social commentary.

6.8

Frankie Boyle: Live

Nov 10, 2008

Critically acclaimed comedian Frankie Boyle presents his hotly-anticipated first live stand-up DVD. Recorded live during his sell-out shows at London's Hackney Empire, Frankie's unique brand of observational comedy and brutal but perfectly constructed one-liners prove he is one of the best gag writers in the business.

8.0

Big Jay Oakerson: They

Apr 20, 2025

Part 2 of Big Jay Oakerson’s two-part crowd work comedy special, filmed live in Denver at Comedy Works.

7.6

Dara Ó Briain: Live at the Theatre Royal

Nov 25, 2006

The final date from Dara's sell-out 100 date tour of the UK and Ireland. Recorded in front of 2,500 fans at London's Theatre Royal, this show displays the comedian at his quick-thinking best.

5.2

Crazy Famous

Mar 17, 2017

A fame obsessed average Joe escapes a mental institution with a band of misfits for one last desperate attempt to be famous.

7.7

Totally Bill Hicks

Nov 23, 1998

Consisting of two parts: ‘Revelations’, Bill Hicks’ last live performance in the United Kingdom made at the Dominion Theatre; and a documentary about Hicks’ life ‘Just a Ride’ featuring interviews with friends, admirers, and family.

6.5

The Good Life

Jan 20, 2007

A movie about the travails of Jason (Mark Webber), a young gas station attendant and movie projectionist living in Nebraska. His encounters with various social difficulties and with Frances (Zooey Deschanel), a beautiful and enigmatic young woman leads to dramatic changes and decisions in his life.

6.4

Chaplin Today: The Great Dictator

Dec 30, 2003

A short documentary about the making of "The Great Dictator."

7.0

It Should Happen to You

Jan 15, 1954

Gladys Glover has just lost her modeling job when she meets filmmaker Pete Sheppard shooting a documentary in Central Park. For Pete it's love at first sight, but Gladys has her mind on other things, making a name for herself. Through a fluke of advertising she winds up with her name plastered over 10 billboards throughout city.

5.6

Girls Will Be Girls

Jul 5, 2003

Nothing stirs up the competitive spirit in haggard Hollywood has-been Evie Harris like having to share a house with a younger actress like Varla. Especially since Varla happens to be the daughter of Evie's now-deceased rival! But even as their saner roommate, Coco, attempts to keep the peace, Evie's jealousy over Varla's burgeoning infomercial career is about to explode... in the most spectacular, showstopping way possible!

4.0

Parkinson: Meet Henry Fonda

Nov 1, 1975

Episode of the BBC television program with host Michael Parkinson interviewing American actor Henry Fonda.

7.1

Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now

Jun 25, 2003

Comedian and actress Ellen DeGeneres brings her honesty and off-the-wall wit to this stand-up special taped live at NYC's Beacon Theater.

7.2

The Hedgehog

Jul 1, 2009

Paloma is a serious and highly articulate but deeply bored 11-year-old who has decided to kill herself on her 12th birthday. Fascinated by art and philosophy, she questions and documents her life and immediate circle, drawing trenchant and often hilarious observations on the world around her. But as her appointment with death approaches, Paloma finally meets some kindred spirits in her building's grumpy janitor and an enigmatic, elegant neighbor, both of whom inspire Paloma to question her rather pessimistic outlook on life.

5.7

Road Hard

Mar 6, 2015

After his movie and television career has run dry, Bruce Madsen (Adam Carolla) is forced to go back on the road playing one dingy comedy club after another, spending endless nights in budget hotel rooms and always flying coach. Amidst trying to revitalize his career, rekindle his love life and put his daughter through college, Bruce knows one thing for sure - he must get off the road. ROAD HARD is the story of that journey.

6.9

Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home

Jan 1, 2003

Maher addresses contemporary political, social and cultural topics -- Iraq, President Bush and the so called Axis of Evil. The opinionated Maher said about Victory Begins at Home: "We've heard everything about the War on Terrorism except what we can actually do to help win it. The government used to do that for us through propaganda (the positive kind) posters, so taking my cue from the great old posters of World War I and World War II ('Loose Lips Sink Ships,' 'Buy War Bonds,' 'Plant a Victory Garden,' etc.) I commissioned artists to paint the posters our government today should be putting out to help us win this war."