Stand up comic, “SNL” writer, actor, director: Albert Brooks has done it all. And he’s done it over the course of a six-decade-plus career. Now, in “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,” Brooks sits down with Rob Reiner to discuss how he managed to master the craft of comedy to become one is endurings legends.
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Here’s an official synopsis of “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,” courtesy of HBO:
Since the late 1960s, Albert Brooks has been a major force in American comedy with his smart, sometimes absurdist, and truly unique sense of humor. From stand-up, to acting, to writing and directing short films, to his seven, iconic, original motion pictures, including “Modern Romance,” “Lost in America,” “Mother,” and more, Brooks has paved the way for future generations and remains a comedic force in a league of his own. With testimonials from some of the brightest comedy talents and serious thinkers, as well as family and friends, ALBERT BROOKS: DEFENDING MY LIFE chronicles Brooks’ very early work all the way to present day. In this deep and personal conversation, Reiner and Brooks explore the origins and evolution of Brooks’ career, the impetus for his creativity, and the impact he has had on the world of comedy.
Along with Brooks and Reiner’s conversation, other participants in the doc include a panoply of celebrities including Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, Wanda Sykes, Jon Stewart, Ben Stiller, and Steven Spielberg. Also showing up are Sarah Silverman, David Letterman, Larry David, Jonah Hill, Judd Apatow, Sharon Stone, and Brian Williams. Anthony Jeselnik, Tiffany Haddish, Alaina Haim, Nikki Glaser, James L. Brooks, and Neil deGrasse Tyson also show up.
Along with directing, Reiner leads producers on “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,” with Michele Reiner and Matthew George. Executive producers include Derrick J. Rossi, PhD, Hernan Narea, Jonathan Fuhrman, Michelle Goldfine, and Jeffrey Stott. HBO Documentary Films and Castle Rock Entertainment present the doc.
“Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” premieres on HBO on November 11. Watch a trailer for the documentary below.