"Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis"
Kings aren't born; they're made. From his legendary partnership with Dean Martin to his revolutionary film career, Jerry Lewis' meteoric rise to "King of Comedy" has spanned decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis takes a contemporary look at the living legend through never-before-seen footage, and interviews with today's biggest stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Murphy, Chevy Chase, Quentin Tarantino and more. Follow Lewis' storied career as an unrivaled comedian, actor, director, producer, writer, singer and one of the world's most well known philanthropists. Plus, get an intimate look at the ever-vibrant and charismatic man himself as he travels the world continuing his comedic reign at the ripe, young age of 85.
The Film
The film is grounded in the present from start to finish (looking back at his life and career when appropriate). We have pulled from our arsenal of over 50 hours of brand new and original 23.976 fps /1080p HD footage, specifically shot for this project, to explore the life of this comedy superstar from a fresh and unexpected perspective. The foundation of the film consists of recent milestones currently taking place in Jerry's life. Our filmmaking technique allows the audience to seamlessly look back at his illustrious career without ever breaking the contemporary flow. By incorporating interviews with today's hottest stars and directors of film, stage and television, one quickly learns of the major impact that Jerry has had, not only on Hollywood, but the entire world.
Film Topics
Martin & Lewis
In 1946, when Jerry Lewis teamed up with a young crooner named Dean Martin, the face of entertainment was forever changed. By ad-libbing together, improvising insults and jokes, squirting seltzer water, and creating a general atmosphere of zaniness, their partnership dominated show business for ten years. Martin & Lewis sandwiched 16 box-office hits between nightclub engagements, television and personal appearances. Jerry reveals the real story behind this incredible duo and their meteoric rise and how it relates to his life and career today.
Jerry Lewis the Total Filmmaker
Jerry's solo efforts were distinguished by his growth as a performer and filmmaker. His onscreen antics remained wild and uninhibited, but his behind the camera persona was now invested with the knowledge of a true auteur. We see how Jerry crafts his filmmaking skills by learning from the best and becomes a Writer, Producer, Director and Actor in his films. Jerry gives insight into the largest single transaction in film history for his exclusive services with Paramount Pictures. Because of this, Jerry starred in fourteen motion pictures over a seven-year period.
The film contains never-before-seen footage taken from Jerry's personal archives, including the "making of" some of his biggest blockbusters: including The Nutty Professor; The Ladies Man; The Bell Boy, Cinderfella, etc. Discover how Jerry is much more than a clown, but a true technical innovator in the cinema and the inventor of the video assist system along with many other advances that are being used in the industry today.
The Jerry Lewis Telethon
For the first time in history, Jerry has granted us exclusive rights to document the behind the scenes operations of this massive television/multimedia event. We captured everything from pre-production to the final tote board tally. This amazing footage reveals that his tireless efforts are a year round job, and not simply showing up to host this enormous variety show. We also see Jerry's meticulous production meetings, his outrageously funny performance rehearsals, and countless hysterical candid moments unlike anything that has ever been seen of Jerry before. In addition, we were also privileged to capture many heartfelt moments revealing how much "Jerry's kid's" really mean to him.
Live Concert Tour (World Tour)
Documented with multiple HD cameras in various cities, we captured Jerry at his all-time best. Peer into Jerry's dressing room for some of the most intimate conversations anyone has ever seen with him. Additionally, catch Jerry cracking up his crew during rehearsals. We see the master at work as he "kills" the audience with his classic stand-up, belts out songs in front of his 30-piece orchestra, and ad-libs his way through belly-laughing Q&A sessions with the audience, adding to the total "Jerry" experience.
Cannes Film Festival (Cannes, France)
We travel with Jerry as he makes his triumphant return to the Cannes Film Festival, the most prestigious film festival in the world. We follow Jerry as he frolics around the south of France, which in itself, is a true sight to behold. We see Jerry walk the iconic red carpeted steps at the Palais de Festivals, wining, dining and joking his way through world-class establishments, being adored by the French and international fans, chased by paparazzi, posing for magazine photo shoots, and appearing on a live television show.
Celebrity Interviews
There is a plethora of "A" list talent interviews throughout the film. The interviews focus on how Jerry Lewis has influenced their art and careers. This applies to talent that has made their claim to fame in front of or behind the camera. These interviews illustrate how Jerry's incredible career continues to influence today's most relevant stars.
The Interviews
· Jerry Lewis
· Alec Baldwin
· Jerry Seinfeld
· Quentin Tarantino
· Chevy Chase
· Carol Burnett
· Richard Belzer
· Carl Reiner
· John Landis
· Richard Lewis
· Eddie Murphy
About Starz Entertainment
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 16 premium channels including the flagship STARZ(R) and ENCORE(R) brands with approximately 18.8 million and 33.1 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation and is attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).
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