Lenny (film)
| Lenny | |
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 Original movie poster |
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| Directed by | Bob Fosse |
| Produced by | Marvin Worth |
| Written by | Julian Barry |
| Starring | Dustin Hoffman Valerie Perrine |
| Music by | Ralph Burns |
| Cinematography | Bruce Surtees |
| Editing by | Alan Heim |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
| Release date(s) | November 10, 1974 (US) |
| Running time | 111 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Lenny is a 1974 American biographical film about the comedian Lenny Bruce, starring Dustin Hoffman and directed by Bob Fosse. The screenplay by Julian Barry is based on his play of the same name.
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[edit] Plot
The film jumps between various sections of Bruce's life, including scenes of when he was 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. 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 dies of a morphine overdose in 1966.
[edit] Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Lenny Bruce
- Valerie Perrine as Honey Bruce
- Jan Miner as Sally Marr
- Stanley Beck as Artie Silver
- Rashel Novikoff as Aunt Mema
- Gary Morton as Sherman Hart
- Guy Rennie as Jack Goldman
[edit] Casting
Casting was completed by Floridian-based casting director, Beverly McDermott.[1] One of the most interesting casting decisions was made "On Set". While filming in the Broward County Courthouse used as the set for the Miami Courthouse. Director Fosse decided to cast a 'Real Life Bailiff' in the role of the Bailiff that would drag Dustin Hoffman (Lenny) out of the Courtroom. Aldo DeMeo, the President of the Bailiff's Association at the time was offered the role. Though Aldo was not listed in the Film's credits, the scene when Lenny (Dustin Hoffman) is dragged from the Courtroom, was chosen as the clip shown on the Academy Awards Worldwide Television Program; as the movie's Scene to represent the film as a candidate for Best Picture.
[edit] Reception
Lenny received favorable praise from critics and audiences alike, earning a score of 100% "Fresh" on the review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews.[2]
[edit] Awards and honors
Lenny was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
Valerie Perrine won the award for Best Actress at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Jicha, Tom (2012-01-20). "Beverly McDermott, top casting director and Hollywood resident, dies". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/hollywood/fl-obit-beverly-mcdermott-20120120,0,1215353.story. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
- ^ "Lenny Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lenny/. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
- ^ "Festival de Cannes: Lenny". festival-cannes.com. http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/2172/year/1975.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
[edit] External links
- Lenny at the Internet Movie Database
- Lenny at Rotten Tomatoes
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