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Jerry Seinfeld, Greg Geraldo, Sherrod Small, Jim Norton, Godfrey ... see more see more... , Allan Havey , Colin Quinn , Cynthia Koury , Orny Adams , George Wallace (II) , Eddie Ifft , Robert Klein , Mario Joyner , T. Sean Shannon , Gary Greenberg , Shawn Seymour , Richard Spector , Michael Britt , Craig Figueirido , Nicole Severine , Nicole Beatty , Tom Papa , Ray Romano , William Stephenson , Angel Salazar , Andrew Grose , Dom Irrera , Gary Valentine , Chris Rock , Brad Perry , Garry Shandling , Kevin Nealon , Jay Leno , Jimmy Brogan , Bill Cosby

The world of stand-up comedy is explored from the perspectives of two very different talents -- one wet behind the years, another already a legend -- in this documentary from TV-commercial director Ch... read more read more...ristian Charles. Comedian follows Jerry Seinfeld and Orny Adams as they navigate their way through the cutthroat world of New York's comedy clubs, each working toward the ultimate goal of an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. For Seinfeld, hitting the clubs is a way of proving himself after his years of sitcom success; for the up-and-coming Adams, nightly stand-up routines are an avenue to bigger and better things, preferably comedy festivals, talk show appearances, and sitcom roles. The two occasionally cross paths at such Manhattan comic haunts as The Gotham Comedy Club and Caroline's, where they debate ups and downs of the trade. Comedian also reveals many candid, behind-the-scenes discussions between Seinfeld and such comic legends as Chris Rock, Robert Klein, Dave Chappelle, and Jay Leno, as well as rare glimpses of the star's personal life. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

Flixster Users

65% liked it

6,359 ratings

Critics

76% liked it

88 critics

R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Christian Charles

Release Date: October 11, 2002

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DVD Release Date: May 13, 2003

Stats: 361 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (361)

  • kenstachnik
    September 18, 2007
    kenstachnik
    A great peek into the world of the Stand up.
  • zdravkoduck
    September 5, 2009
    zdravkoduck
    Comedian follows two comics and up-in comer (Orny Adams) and a veteran (Jerry Seinfield) Both entertaining and a slap in the face for anyone who thinks after a hit sitcom you can just go back on stage and kill using your presence. Just not the truth, If I can paraphrase Steve Mar... read moretin stand-up comedy is the single most difficult thing in show business because every other aspect of show business you can hide behind something so the audience doesn't see you wether it's a camera or a script. With stand-up your audience is right in front of you. It's a real no holds barred business. Lot's of great cameos keep this film from being a pbs special. A new favorite documedy of mine.
  • SunilJawahir
    June 6, 2009
    SunilJawahir
    Interesting enough. A lot of great comedians are featured in this.
  • mattsigur1
    August 16, 2008
    mattsigur1
    A good doc. Orny Adams is a worrying bitch, he makes me not want to worry ever again. Seriously, if anyone wants to make it in entertainment should watch this and take "Barry"s advice - relax.
    It was cool to see the community of comedians calming down a legend. I enjoyed it even... read more though I wanted to see what happened to Adams - hopefully, failure.
  • Doctor0Quinzel
    August 15, 2008
    Doctor0Quinzel
    I thought this was a very interesting watch. Seinfeld a comedian who is trying to get back into the groove of being a stand-up comic. There are plenty'O cameos from fellow comics. There is also another comic called "Orny Adams" who is an up and coming comic who is a complete assh... read moreole. There is no other way to describe him. It was interesting to see his story as well. It has a couple good jokes there to keep you entertained a neat insight.
  • cacutshaw
    February 8, 2008
    cacutshaw
    Self indulgent but semi interesting (only because I like the subject matter) documentary.
  • kenscheck
    December 27, 2011
    kenscheck
    The part of this documentary about Jerry Seinfeld attempting to get back into stand-up following the massive success of his sitcom and some time away from the stage is great...sadly the film also shifts focus onto this younger comedian, who is meant to be up and coming, but he is... read more just this shitty guy. The younger comedian wants everything now, and treats his audiences like crap if he bombs. I wish it just stayed away from that guy.
  • wonmi1
    February 21, 2009
    wonmi1
    I think the premise was good but the film itself just ok. Probably because I didn't really care for either comics being featured: Seinfeld (experienced comic) and Adams (up and coming comic - very arrogant)!
  • spencerstilwell
    January 27, 2009
    spencerstilwell
    Naturally, I'm going to completely love this documentary because Jerry Seinfeld is a genius. Not only is it funny, but it is filled with a bunch of other comedians (Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Gary Shandling, etc.) that assist the making of this film. Comedian shows real insight to t... read morehe art of comedy. After watching and listening to the reactions of Jerry and Orny, I understand their point-of-views about how difficult it is to make people laugh. But, they don't want the audience to JUST laugh. Comedians want more reactions so that they can establish respect.
  • MusicFromSpace
    September 19, 2008
    MusicFromSpace
    Why do I love this so?

    Comedian is a jazzy, raw, well-made documentary about the reality of pursuing (or continuing) a career in stand-up comedy...and the challenges that come with it.

    This is the first time I really "got it." Seeing the anguish of these men (who I developed ... read morea whole new respect for as writers) fighting their own insecurity and bad feedback, to perfect - that is, be the absolute BEST at - their passion...which is making us laugh. And that craft is broken down to a science here, with many well-known comedians weighing in on the skill, and what it means to them.

    I've been searching and searching, and have yet to find a film of it's equal. There is a humble, nervous performer full of self doubt - which is the well-established superstar Jerry Seinfeld...and a cocky, bitter, too-early-to-be-jaded "celebrity" Orny Adams (who???) and we follow the opposing paths of both. Sure my cynical side tells me that this could be a well-planned facade, meant to bamboozle the audience into seeing Seinfeld as a saint, but the emotion up on the screen is unquestionable.

    It is a fascinating look at a world we seldom see, and it is hilarious as it reveals.

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Critic Reviews

Bob Longino
November 2, 2002
Bob Longino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What it does well is place viewers at the heart of the frustration of failure, of the silence during pre-show strolls to get one's mind focused, of the genesis of a promising joke. Full Review

Joe Baltake
November 1, 2002
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

Go see Comedian and laugh -- and learn. Full Review

Roger Moore
October 31, 2002
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

Charles did a great job of catching Seinfeld with his guard down, or what passes for unguarded for this most guarded of celebrities.

Bill Muller
October 26, 2002
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

Seinfeld, dogged by self-doubt and clearly struggling at times, comes up with some fairly funny material.

Robert Denerstein
October 26, 2002
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

Demonstrates that even good comics aren't especially interesting when caught offstage.

Ann Hornaday
October 25, 2002
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

What begins as an indulgent vanity piece (Seinfeld was a producer of the film) ends up as a fascinating portrait of creativity at its most compulsive. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
October 25, 2002
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

A penetrating glimpse into the tissue-thin ego of the stand-up comic. Full Review

Edward Guthmann
October 25, 2002
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

It's tough to sympathize with a man as wealthy and established as Seinfeld, but Comedian has an engaging rhythm, an immediacy that's genuine and unvarnished, and a few great laughs. Full Review

Rick Groen
October 25, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

It's a crafted look at the craft of comedy, and a picture with the good sense not to be too earnest about the subject of humour -- that is, you get to laugh a little while you learn a little more. Full Review

Susan Stark
October 25, 2002
Susan Stark, Detroit News

At once emotional and richly analytical, the Cosby-Seinfeld encounter alone confirms the serious weight behind this superficially loose, larky documentary.

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