One of the more difficult parts of being an avid film lover is resisting the temptation to judge a movie by its trailer. Trailers, much like movies, are created largely from a series of formats and mini-narrative structures that have been built out over the years to the point now, as much withBatman v SupermanasDoctor Strange, that the trailer essentially leads you through a severely abridged version of the plot. Even in these cases, it’s important to keep an open mind about the details that might arise from the actual movie, whether for the better (Strange) or worse (Dawn of Justice).
Still, it’s a challenge to see anything worth liking in the first trailer forThe Comedian, which is actually a rather remarkable feat. Directed byTaylor Hackford, the film is armed with a sensational cast, led byRobert De NiroandLeslie Mannwith supporting roles fromDanny DeVito,Patti Lupone,Harvey Keitel,Edie Falco, andCloris Leachman. And, for what it’s worth, Hackford is a competent filmmaker, if hardly a remarkable one, that has delivered a few enjoyable films (Ray,Parker,Against All Odds) but the story about an insult comic who has to be humbled before becoming a viral sensation looks simply insufferable. That’s just one man’s opinion, though, so check out the trailer right below…if you dare!
The Comedianwill see a limited release on December 2nd before bowing nationwide on January 13th.
Here’s the first trailer forThe Comedian:
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Comedian:
An aging comic icon, Jackie (Robert De Niro), has seen better days. Despite his efforts to reinvent himself and his comic genius, the audience only wants to know him as the former television character he once played. Already a strain on his younger brother (Danny DeVito) and his wife (Patti LuPone), Jackie is forced to serve out a sentence doing community service for accosting an audience member. While there, he meets Harmony (Leslie Mann), the daughter of a sleazy Florida real estate mogul (Harvey Keitel), and the two find inspiration in one another, resulting in surprising consequences.
