Call Me Lucky

MPI Media Group

The main reason I watched this documentary was because it was directed by Bobcat Goldwaite. In the past six years he has directed some truly amazing indie films, including "God Bless America," "World's Greatest Dad," and "Willow Creek." Though some of his narratives feel problematic, every one of his films unearths a kooky irony that deals with the human condition in a new, inspiring way. "Call Me Lucky," is Goldwaite's newest film, and it feels like the most personal one yet. Fellow comedian and icon Barry Crimmins is the subject of the film, and though you may believe that this will be a film about the hilarity of Crimmins' career, it becomes clear there's a more sinister subject at the film's heart.

 Crimmins is a mix of conspiracy theorist, political satirist, and Oscar the Grouch. His shtick is political in bent, but this was before the revolution that was Bill Maher, “The Daily Show”, and Dennis Miller's eviscerations of the news media, corrupt politicians, and the backwards corporate control that dominated our countries’ legislation. Crimmins' sets were a mix of highly volatile lessons on the politics of the United States and diatribes about the unjust practices of the world at large. Though Crimmins never hit is huge like Leary, Poundstone, or Wright, he did own several comedy clubs, and he churned out seasoned veterans who have now been doing stand-up for twenty plus years. He is seen as a mythical creature that chain smokes constantly, drinks like a pirate, and spits out his message in a quick string of expletives.

 Though this is all fascinating, what becomes the crux of the film is Crimmins departure from the world of stand up, and his battling of his inner demons. It seems that Crimmins was abused when he was a child, and this horrible tragedy shapes the second half of the film. It features a lot of interviews with Crimmins, who has become a child advocate in the past twenty years, including taking on AOL chat rooms that featured child pornography. He has also been to South America in protest of corrupt intervention of the American government.

It's a very strange juxtaposition to get behind at the offset, because most of the film tells us that it's gearing to be a documentary about this larger than life comedian, a man who makes you laugh away your demons. As we've learned with the death of Robin Williams, the funniest of us often are the most tortured. Though it must pain Crimmins beyond belief, he has opened himself up and let Goldwaite delve headfirst into his psyche. That is a dangerous and frightening thing to do, but then again Crimmins is known for being fearless. A lot of people could learn a thing or two about the power of a good conscience from this film.