Bitter Jester (2003)

BITTER JESTER is the first documentary to give us a glimpse into the real process behind the comedy we watch in clubs, on television and at the movies. Through the eyes of comedienne Maija ... See full summary »

Director:

Maija Di Giorgio

Writers:

Maija Di Giorgio, David Burton Levin

Stars:

Maija Di Giorgio, Kenneth Simmons, Richard Belzer

Cast

Credited cast:
Maija Di Giorgio	...	Herself
Kenneth Simmons	...	Himself (As Kenneth R. Simmons) (as Kenneth R. Sim)
Richard Belzer	...	Himself
George Carlin	...	Himself
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Herself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Joy Behar	...	Herself
Peter Boyle	...	Himself
Chevy Chase	...	Himself
Norm Crosby	...	Himself
Jody Del Giorno	...	Himself
Phyllis Diller	...	Herself
Gilbert Gottfried	...	Himself
D.L. Hughley	...	Himself
Dom Irrera	...	Himself
Kevin James	...	Himself

Storyline

BITTER JESTER is the first documentary to give us a glimpse into the real process behind the comedy we watch in clubs, on television and at the movies. Through the eyes of comedienne Maija DiGiorgio, we take a guided tour of the comedy business at its rawest. Behind the jokes and smiles, Maija reveals the sneering jealousy and backbiting, the self loathing and inflated egos that define most comedians. She allows us to witness a side of stand-up comedy we rarely see, from young comics unable to get stage time to comedy superstars musing on their own failures. Over the course of nearly two years, Maija documents her own roller coaster career in stand-up comedy, starting with the self-inflicted crash of her career at the Aspen comedy festival and following her failed attempts to rebuild her reputation. This extraordinarily bizarre and entertaining journey takes her back and forth across the country several times as she seeks the insight and wisdom of fellow comics. Original, spontaneous ...

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Taglines:

Comedy, the tragedy.

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Genres:

Documentary | Adventure | Comedy | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

official website

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 February 2003 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bitter Jester Productions, McBelz Enterprises, Panacea Entertainment

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

References Comedian (2002)

User Reviews

Thought provoking movie

Bitter Jester is one-of-a-kind for many reasons. The all-star cast, the never-seen-before behind-the-scenes look at the world of comedy, the precious interview with Richard Pryor and the enduring strength of its director and star Maija DiGiorgio. Maija takes us on a personal journey through the world of comedy sharing her victories and brick walls, and the advice and guidance she receives from a cast of well-known comics. Maija is a gorgeous woman! She's got obvious energy for her work and throws herself into this movie with deep honesty that shows through as she chronicles her victories and frustrations. A follow-up to Bitter Jester is in order – I hope with Maija's talent to see her directing, acting and producing. She has a knack and her passion shows through in this film. She's not a talent to shelve, but should be allowed to express her passion!