Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
| Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World | |
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Promotional poster |
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| Directed by | Albert Brooks |
| Produced by | Steve Bing Herb Nanas JoAnn Perittano |
| Written by | Albert Brooks |
| Starring | Penny Marshall Victoria Burrows Paul Jerome Albert Brooks Emma Lockhart Amy Ryan |
| Music by | Michael Giacchino |
| Cinematography | Thomas E. Ackerman |
| Editing by | Anita Brandt-Burgoyne |
| Studio | Seventh Picture Production Kintop Pictures Shangri-La Entertainment THINKFilm |
| Distributed by | Warner Independent Pictures |
| Release date(s) | December 15, 2005 |
| Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $10,000,000 |
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World is a 2006 film starring and directed by Albert Brooks. It was shown at the Dubai International Film Festival.
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[edit] Synopsis
The plot follows Albert Brooks, a Jewish-American comedian, sent by the United States government into India and Pakistan to find out "what makes Muslims laugh." References are made to Brooks's earlier films, including Finding Nemo, Lost In America and Defending Your Life along with his earlier stand-up comedy material.
Upon reaching India, Brooks begins interviewing Indians and gathering material for the 500-page essay expected of him from the government. He is aided by two agents (who actually help very little) and an Indian woman named Maya who was hired as his assistant. Brooks' interviews and a failed stand-up performance begin to attract the attention of the Indian government, who fear he is a spy of some sort. When Brooks, unable to get a visa, illegally enters Pakistan for four hours to interview several fledgling Pakistani comedians, the Indian government becomes even more paranoid, increasing border control. This action causes alarm to Pakistan, who responds with security measures of their own. As tension between the countries grows, the American government orders Brooks to leave the country and return to America. It is later said that the tension between Pakistan and India is resolved after they learn that everything was Brooks's fault. It is also revealed that Maya sent what was written of the report to Washington, but it received no recognition.
[edit] Reviews and box-office
The film received mixed reviews from critics. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it received 42% positive reviews.[1] It opened in limited release (in only 161 theatres).[2]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World at the Internet Movie Database
- Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World at AllRovi
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