If you’re someone that has followed the very specific genre of stand-up comedy with magicians, then you’re likely familiar with The Amazing Johnathan. Rising to prominence in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the performer all but disappeared after it was revealed that the comedian only had a year to live. But then he never died. And thus begins “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary.”
As seen in the new trailer, “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” tackles the titular subject, talking about his rise and fall in the comedy world, thanks in no small part to his drug habits, and his brush with death. However, as the trailer keeps going, you realize that the life of Johnathan is only the beginning. The real meat of the film mirrors the comedian’s act, where the audience has to ask what is real?
Is Johnathan dying? Who is this other camera crew? Is it all an elaborate Banksy/”Exit Through The Giftshop”-style hoax? You just have to watch and find out.
“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” arrives in select theaters and on Hulu on August 16.
Here’s the synopsis:
‘The Amazing Johnathan,” with his irreverent magic act, rose to popularity landing one of the longest residencies in Las Vegas. However in 2014, Johnathan was diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given only one year to live, forcing him to retire his act. Fast forward to three years later, Johnathan is still alive and chooses to return to the stage. Filmmaker Ben Berman sets out to capture The Amazing Johnathan’s comeback tour while peeling back the curtain on his unique, meth-fueled life.
But the seemingly straightforward profile of this eccentric illusionist starts careening off the rails as Johnathan drops a bombshell that sends the film spiraling into uncertainty. As we delve deeper to determine what’s real and what’s illusion, hard questions are raised, uncovering deeper truths about the ethics of filmmaking and human nature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ1tzajt2t4&feature=youtu.be
