The Aristocrats

Ok kids, you've heard about the most vulgar joke ever...and this is the 89 minute tribute to comedic depravity. Originally a vaudville joke, heldover through years of backstage performaces in comedy clubs and celebrity hangouts. Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza put together a respectable interview documentary, that included most of the names we can think of in the standup world. Still, there was something to be desired in the conclusion...which was similar to the joke itself. Nearly every oldschool showbiz personality was included. Highlights included George Carlin, Bob Saget, and suprisingly Gilbert Gottfried. Essentially, the routine is a pitch to a talent agent. The act includes incredible depravity including, but not limited to, Incest, Fecophelia, Pedophelia, Beastiality, Murder, and Sodomy performed by a family and their dog. The conclusion of the joke is a question from the agent, "So what do you call the act?" "We call it 'the aristocrats". Most performers think of it as a common song, where improvisation and their own ability to disgust can be measured against other talents. The point?...well that's simply to see how far and absurd things can get before people would simply walk out or start a public stoning. It's legitimately funny...and if you aren't particularly offended by gross depictions of human sexuality, you'll probably like it. Artistically, it's an ode to one of the longstanding traditions in comedy...one that is best remembered and worthy of documentation. The conclusion of the film resembled the joke. The end wasn't as good as the buildup or the journey to the punchline. It's a good ride...but not for the faint of heart. And thus ends my first post and review... Love, Phil