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Belushi

  • 2020
  • TV-MA
  • 1h 48m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
2.9K
YOUR RATING
John Belushi in Belushi (2020)
Using previously unheard audiotapes recorded shortly after John Belushi's death, director R.J. Cutler's documentary examines the too-short life of once-in-a-generation talent who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences.
Play trailer2:11
1 Video
5 Photos
BiographyDocumentary

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

  • Director
    • R.J. Cutler
  • Writer
    • R.J. Cutler
  • Stars
    • John Belushi
    • Tanner Colby
    • Tom Schiller
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    2.9K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • R.J. Cutler
    • Writer
      • R.J. Cutler
    • Stars
      • John Belushi
      • Tanner Colby
      • Tom Schiller
    • 26User reviews
    • 27Critic reviews
    • 72Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:11
    Official Trailer

    Photos4

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    View Poster
    View Poster
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    Top cast91

    Edit
    John Belushi
    John Belushi
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Tanner Colby
    • Self - Interviewer
    • (voice)
    Tom Schiller
    Tom Schiller
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Harold Ramis
    Harold Ramis
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (voice)
    Judith Belushi-Pisano
    Judith Belushi-Pisano
    • Self
    • (voice)
    • (as Judy Belushi)
    Agnes Belushi
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (voice)
    Adam Belushi
    • self, John Belushi's father
    • (archive footage)
    Sue Keller
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Gus Dimas
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Jim Belushi
    Jim Belushi
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Marian Belushi
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (voice)
    Dan Payne
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Dick Blasucci
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Tino Insana
    Tino Insana
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (voice)
    Jim Fisher
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Matty Simmons
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Ivan Reitman
    Ivan Reitman
    • Self
    • (voice)
    Chevy Chase
    Chevy Chase
    • Self
    • (voice)
    • Director
      • R.J. Cutler
    • Writer
      • R.J. Cutler
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews26

    7.22.8K
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    Featured reviews

    9Shaun_of_the_Dude

    This is one of the best documentaries you'll see about the rise and fall of America's Guest.

    Since my college years, I've studied various comedians on either side of the pond and one in particular has polarised me. That would be the enigmatic John Belushi. But after seeing this documentary, it opens up a whole different angle of the work both on and off celluloid, whilst at the same time, filling in the blanks on the much glossed-over beginnings of John Belushi.

    He passed before my time and I grew up mostly on American VHS'... so whilst Belushi had a lot of the limelight on US TV, and moderate, but untapped success in the box office, the likes of Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Robin Williams (my favourite), Steve Martin and that other fella (whose name ex-scapes me here) were prominent exports on the VHS market here in the UK.

    But I always knew of Belushi via Blues Brothers and the Steven Spielberg film 1941 and having researched the US comedic circuit in my own failed attempt, I'd always read of Belushi being a massive influence on the styles of many of the comedians mentioned above. I was never really sold though and assumed that this was all afterthought, and I had always thought Jim Belushi was the more 'successful' of the Belushi brothers, but after seeing this, I now realise that I was sooooo wrong.

    But this documentary fuses various storytelling devices and presentation styles to tell John's story with overdubs of colleagues, friends and family who knew him best. You see, I've always had this thing in my mind about the journey of a performer from comedian to actor and the troubles such a move would bring. It's happened to nearly every comedian-turned-actor and whilst this is ever-so-slightly touched upon in this film, the two praxis' are distinctly different in many aspects and the very pressure this shift brings (with fan backlash and critics'... criticism) must play havoc in the mind of the performer.

    To my mind, this fulcrum is where the meat meets the bone and you can point to and isolate this crossover in many of a performers career. Nowadays, it's more or less expected that if you can perform as a comedian, you can perform as an actor. And this is kind of true as the industry as a whole is riddled with cosmic famous stars and celebrities who think they can try their hand at all disciplines. And this is true for most, as the industry has changed so much since the days of the original SNL crew.

    But this documentary epitomises the 'American Dream' and what it actually takes to climb the greasy pole from ground to up. John Belushi didn't have rich parents or famous fathers, uncles or friends to give a heave-ho and 'bend the pole' for him. He worked his socks off at a time when theatre what theatre, music was music, TV was TV and film was film - nowadays there's a fusion and the landing pad is so much more wider thanks to fandom, super-agents and over-inflated egos thanks to social media.

    These guys were and always be the trailblazers and this documentary is the real rags-to-riches (and everything in between) of the American entertainment industry. It exemplifies the toll and turmoil of the industry and through fine craft and excellent presentation, WILL make you appreciate the artistic craft of one John Belushi.

    One thing I always think of when watching a documentary of this ilk is how much it would offer a blueprint for prospective actors, writers and producers, and one of the ;newfangled sounding boards' of documentaries which precedes a feature film of such a subject. Much like a primer or pilot for TV.

    SO... with that... I predict one Tom Hardy (of Inception, Capone etc...) to star in 'American Guest - The Story of John Belushi' in 2023/4, streamed live in your living room from Netflix, HBO or Amazon Prime. I would write it myself, buuut NOOOOooooo, having dipped my toe in the murky world myself, I know such doors are guarded by more established and well-connected moguls who have the umpfh, financial clout and connections to get their script through the door. Besides, I'm 1/3rd Albanian, British and Scouse and I'm busy with my hair.

    But then, there's possibly only one guy who could ever write a biopic on the man himself and that would be the great Dan Aykroyd. By jove... what the world could do with now is a little bit of Aykroyd (and Ramis RIP)... But saying all that... go and watch this documentary and see the raw force Belushi was and still is within the industry in all it's glory and I guarantee you that this overly-long and wafflish commentary will make a little more sense (just a little).

    Rest in anarchy Mr. Belushi, you'd hate the what the whole industry has become since your days but would have a HEAP of artistic inspiration to lampoon sir!
    9travinitrav

    Unbiased look at a mans life.

    Pretty darn good. Recommend you see it, even if you never cared about John Belushi before today. Its mostly audio clips with still photos, and these neat little cartoons drawn to match the audio clips. They never do the standard "guy in chair talking to invisible interviewer" and thats a nice change of pace. Loads of never before seen photos and videos, and never heard audio. Brutal honest look at his whole life, not just good or bad. The documentary shares as much of his insights as it possibly can, and also the opinions and stories of friends & coworkers. It never glorifies or vilifies him which is what a good documentary is all about. Highly recommended.
    9lkgleeson

    EVERYBODY LOVED HIM FEW KNEW HIM

    Director R.J. Cutler delves into the life and persona of legendary SNL and comedy extraordinaire John Belushi with a biographical treatment combining traditional documentary techniques, animation, and a series of taped conversations from those who worked closest with John. Cutler's work reveals Belushi's motivations and his need for approval. Highly recommended!
    7owen-watts

    An Oral History

    Patched together from archival tapes, pictures, letters and infused with remarkably sharp animated sequences - Belushi is a meticulously researched and intensely personal portrait of a man. As a legacy - it's likely his films will define him better than this necessarily will - but this does a rather comprehensive job of contextualizing him, humanizing him. To realise he died at my exact age now gave the endeavor a rather existential sheen which I wasn't necessarily expecting although the relentless focus accidentally allows his many allies to fall into his wake a little. Poor Ackroyd, poor Judy, poor Carrie. Either way though, a remarkable achievement - and a really beautifully crafted piece of work.
    8DavoZed

    A Great Doc

    A very good retelling of John's story from his childhood through his untimely death.

    John in his own words, spoken and written plus the thoughts of his friends and peers. Videos, still photos and animation for the audio recordings of him.

    Well worth a watch if you were a fan.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Bill Hader performs the voice of John Belushi.
    • Goofs
      A clip from Louise Lasser/Preservation Hall Jazz Band (1976), featuring John Belushi and Chevy Chase getting into a mock fight is accompanied by a caption that this was from Chevy's final show as a cast member. His actual final show was Buck Henry/The Band (1976).
    • Quotes

      Jane Curtin: It was difficult working with John. I don't know whether it was ego or ambition or the drugs, but he didn't seem to respect the women on the show

    • Connections
      Featured in Half in the Bag: Quarantine Catch-up (part 4 of 2) (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      I Can't Turn You Loose
      Written by Otis Redding

      Performed by The Blues Brothers

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    FAQ14

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 22, 2020 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official site (Japan)
      • SHOWTIME
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • John Belushi - En komikers uppgång och fall
    • Production companies
      • Passion Pictures
      • Showtime Networks
      • Sky Atlantic
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 48 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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