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    Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown

    Poster of the movie Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown
    2016     Biography documentary    
    USA/France
    1h 1min
    Original lang: English, French

    Since the early days, Jerry Lewis -- in the line of Chaplin, Keaton and Laurel -- had the masses laughing with his visual gags, pantomime sketches and signature slapstick humor. Yet Lewis was far more than just a clown. He was also a groundbreaking filmmaker whose unquenchable curiosity led him to write, produce, stage and direct many of the films he appeared in, resulting in such adored classics as The Bellboy, The Ladies Man, The Errand Boy, and The Nutty Professor. By becoming a "total filmmaker," Lewis surpassed expectations as a comic performer and emerged as a driving force in Hollywood. He broke boundaries with his technical innovations, unique voice and keen visual eye, even garnering respect and praise overseas. However, American critics and the cultural elite tended to reject his abrasive art. While they viewed Lewis as nothing more than just a clown, others like the French recognized him as a true auteur, giving rise to questions that have perplexed American pop culture for over 50 years: Why do Europeans love Jerry Lewis? What is this inexplicable aversion Americans have towards him? Is he just a brash, anything-for-yuk buffoon? Or is he a creative genius? Who is the man behind the clown?

    Directed byGregory Monro
    Written byGregory Monro
    CompanySeventh Art ReleasingSeventh Art ReleasingSeventh Art Releasing

    Featuring

    Jerry Lewis
    Martin Scorsese
    Sean Hayes
    Louis Malle
    Dean Martin
    + MORE

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