The Aristocrats
Comedy veterans and co-creators Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza capitalize on their insider status and invite over 100 of their closest friends - who happen to be some of the biggest names in entertainment, to reminisce, analyze, deconstruct and deliver their own versions of the world's dirtiest joke, an old burlesque too extreme to be performed in public, called The Aristocrats.
One hundred superstar comedians tell the same very, VERY dirty, filthy joke - one shared privately by comics since Vaudeville.
The Aristocrats is a longstanding transgressive joke amongst comedians, in which the setup and punchline are almost always the same (or similar). It is the joke's midsection - which may be as long as the teller prefers and is often completely improvised – that makes or breaks a particular rendition.
The joke involves a person pitching an act to a talent agent. Typically the first line is, "A man walks into a talent agent's office." The man then describes the act. From this point, up to (but not including) the punchline, the teller of the joke is expected to ad-lib the most shocking act they can possibly imagine.
The joke ends with the agent, shocked and often impressed, asking "And what do you call the act?" The punchline of the joke is then given: "The Aristocrats".
Notice how Seinfeld isn't in it? He doesn't do tasteless humor.
I agree. Perhaps it's not really supposed to be a joke but a joke on you.
I'm still waiting to hear "the mermaids singing, each to each."
Oh, and the movie was great. I love hearing people talk about doing the work they love. The joke didn't offend me, not in any of its versions. Does that make me a dirty old lady? Maybe!
Wow! Not funny...at all...may have been 30/40 years ago...
Mario Cantone's turn as liza Minelli; genius. What the sour faced prudes don't get is that vulgarity is not the point, its the incredibly subtle asides, dead-pan,jabs and cultural references that emerge in every telling. Not to mention the outlandish imagery, which goes beyond vulgar into something dreamlike: Jason Alexander and the Beni Hana Shrimp reference for instance. Of course, we shouldn't expect people with 0 appreciation for artistry to get it. Why would they?
This doc portends to show the inside joke from the entertainer's viewpoint of humanity. The most depraved of human behavior is displayed as audition for hire in theatre. When asked the name of the act, the actors respond, :"The Aristocrats". Thereby demonstrating the irony of human depravity as the crème de 'la crème of humanity. It was a bit much for my tastes. That is why it is supposed to be an inside joke within the world of theatre. Not a first date kind of film.
Much more appropriate to call it "THE ROCKEFELLERS" instead!
Now I have to watch part 8# "Gilbert Gottfried" rendition again. lol
Last night was my second viewing of The Aristocrats. I admit that the first time I saw it a few years back that I was mystified. Now I get it! This movie is about how the human brain can survive the miasma of human tragedy, degeneracy, abominable behavior and continue to laugh as a signal of the immutable, continual human spirit. That and it's just about the funniest probe into the mind of mad genius ever presented. I think we all love to see comedians collapse in laughter or maintain character without flinching. Scatalogical humor maybe the lowest form of humor, but it IS universal. Thank you Paul and Penn!
anybody else think the mime did the joke the best?
mimes are fuc*ing awesome
I can see why comedians love this joke, it gives them the chance to spew out whatever filth they want and rely on an infallible punchline! Can't go wrong by making the ruling classes the brunt of all jokes.
In a nutshell, while the material discussed is sick beyond the imagination of most people who consider themselves as being normal, it is also a true glimpse into the real world of the ruling elites. Not necessarily or exclusively to wealthy individuals but those who parade as the Nobility; ruling over the ignorant masses. The despicable behavior of these ruling families throughout history could actually be the reasons behind most of the perversions found in our lives today. Those unspeakable things that have been introduced into the public spectrum might have been a mental release by those who were allowed to live as survivors of such nightmares.
So, by all means, bow to the Kings and Queen. Kiss the feet of those who control your lives. Continue voting the same unscrupulously corrupt people into office and never question their motives because, after all, what they do is for your own good. They only want what is best for each and every one of us because they care.
Currently listing Beach Front Property in Oklahoma, very reasonably priced. Only serious inquiries, call BR-549.
For my dear American cousins, anybody from the UK or Europe this is a satirical joke about the amoral behavior of the aristocracy and ruling classes throughout history. The dirtier and nastier the build up the more aggressively satirical it is.
I once told this joke,in French,in a bar in Limoges Central France and when I delivered the punchline the bar owner shrugged held up his hands and said"But why were they called the Aristocrats?"
An exercise in expanding the bards craft by expanding a theme to the greatest absurdity possible which inspires other artisans to attempt even greater achievments using alternative persepctive material.
I love comedy that goes beyond social morals...and this one went well beyond.
Sadly, not all will understand the subtext.
It also seems to me that the real comedy begins when the club closes. That's the best time to be around comics.
Shit joke, shit movie that you wouldn't put up with for more than a few minutes if it wasn't for all the well knows. Even with them I only lasted 5 minutes.
Go ahead and try to offend me, bet you can't. Great doc. if you aren't offended. I saw it a few years ago and found it to be humorous and tasteless at the same time. Thats why I had to watch it again. Anyone looking for a great new act I have one?
@Leni:
What is funny is the shock value, nothing else, it is not meant to be a joke.
A person has to have a sense of humour to understand this, and not be scared of mere words, trust me no one is going to go to hell to laugh at this parody. Unless of course if you are a religee.(LOL)
What a disappointment. I can't even make it through part 2. No artistic merit at all. I could have been in that doc and talked **** with them and who would have known the difference?
I agree with Atte Mede, it is horrible and it exists only because no one wanted to break rank and admit that it truly is not funny!
I keep replaying part 8# "Gilbert Gottfried" rendition.
I must be weird. (ROTFLMAO)
Great documentary. Having worked many jobs and met so many people in my travels...it seems to be Universal. You work, 'customers' never really get it and the result is..jokes and comments that make you smile and forget. Its a strong builder of relationships and shared experiences. This is the secret handshake of comedians who worked the scene.
DUMB.. sorry it is. ;)
could of been five minutes long
@Greg~
Yeah! That peach is long gone in my bio.
You gotta live life to its fullest.
Eat the peach I say
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
For I have known them all already, known them all: —
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?
[I grow old ... I grow old ...
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?]