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Cracked Up is an intensely personal and moving documentary that delves into the life of the legendary comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member Darrell Hammond. The film is directed by Michelle Esrick and explores the comedian's difficult upbringing and the impact it had on his life and career. The film opens with Hammond's early memories of growing up in Melbourne, Florida. He describes his mother's violent outbursts and alcoholism, which made life at home incredibly difficult. He also shares how he coped with the emotional turmoil of his childhood by developing a series of impersonations that he would perform for his family.

Despite the difficulties he faced at home, Hammond found solace in comedy, and it quickly became his passion. He started performing at local comedy clubs and was eventually discovered by Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live. In 1995, Hammond joined the cast of the popular sketch comedy show, and his impersonations quickly became some of the most popular and memorable in the show's history.

However, behind the scenes, Hammond was struggling with a myriad of personal demons. He battled depression and addiction, often turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with his emotional pain. In one particularly harrowing scene, Hammond recounts his failed suicide attempt, which occurred while he was still a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Cracked Up is a beautifully crafted documentary that provides a powerful insight into the life of Darrell Hammond. Through a mix of interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage from his time on SNL, the film weaves together a compelling narrative that explores the link between trauma and creativity.

One of the film's most touching moments occurs when Hammond reconnects with Larry Laskowski, a childhood friend who he had lost touch with years earlier. The two men share a poignant conversation, reminiscing about their childhood and discussing the impact that their experiences had on their lives. It's a heartfelt moment that underscores the film's message of the importance of human connection and support in overcoming adversity.

Throughout the film, Hammond's vulnerability is palpable. He discusses his struggles with addiction and mental illness with raw honesty, and his willingness to share his story is a testament to his bravery and resilience. Cracked Up is a powerful reminder that even the most successful, accomplished individuals can harbor deep emotional pain and that healing is possible, no matter how difficult it may seem.

In conclusion, Cracked Up is a touching, powerful, and intimate look at the life of Darrell Hammond. Through interviews, archival footage, and Hammond's own candid reflections, the film explores the link between childhood trauma, addiction, and creativity. It's a reminder that we are all capable of resilience and healing, no matter what obstacles we may face.

Cracked Up is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.