Lenny (film)

Infobox_Film
name = Lenny


caption= Original movie poster
imdb_id = 0071746
director = Bob Fosse
writer = Julian Barry (screenplay)
Based on his play "Lenny"
starring = Dustin Hoffman
Valerie Perrine
Jan Miner
Stanley Beck
Gary Morton
producer = Marvin Worth
music = Ralph Burns
cinematography = Bruce Surtees
editing = Alan Heim
distributor = United Artists
released = November 10, 1974
runtime = 111 min.
language = English

"Lenny" is a 1974 film about the life of the comedian Lenny Bruce, starring Dustin Hoffman. Directed by Bob Fosse. The screenplay by Julian Barry is based on his play "Lenny".

It was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Plot summary

The chronology hops, skips and jumps between Lenny Bruce in his prime and the burned-out, strung-out performer who, in the twilight of his life, used his nightclub act to pour out his personal frustrations to great, boring length. We watch as up-and-coming Bruce courts his "Shiksa goddess", a stripper named Honey. With family responsibilities, Lenny is encouraged to do a "safe" act, but he cannot do it. Constantly in trouble for flouting obscenity laws, Lenny develops a near-messianic complex which fuels both his comedy genius and his talent for self-destruction. Worn out by a lifetime of tilting at Establishment windmills, Lenny Bruce died in 1966.

Trivia

*It was known that Hoffman would spend days listening and watching Bruce's routines and practice mimicking in front of a mirror to get the feel of the role.
*In his memoir "Private Parts (book)", Howard Stern said that he saw "Lenny" as the first date with his now ex-wife, Alison; he called this a good sign of things to come as he would later be compared to Bruce and recognize his influence. The film adaptation of "Private Parts" would feature similar interview transitions.

Main cast

* Dustin Hoffman - Lenny Bruce
* Valerie Perrine - Honey Bruce
* Jan Miner - Sally Marr
* Stanley Beck - Artie Silver
* Rashel Novikoff - Aunt Mema
* Gary Morton - Sherman Hart
* Guy Rennie - Jack Goldman

External links

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