Watch George Carlin: Playin With Your Head

George Carlin: Playin With Your Head is a stand-up comedy film that showcases the exceptional talent of one of the most influential and controversial comedians of our time, George Carlin. Released in 1986, the film was directed by Rocco Urbisci and produced by Carlin himself. The film is essentially a live performance of a Carlin stand-up routine that has been heavily edited and interspersed with cutaway skits and backstage footage. Carlin's routine is centered around his signature observational humor, covering topics such as religion, politics, sex, and American culture. As always, Carlin delivers his material with wit, energy, and an unmistakable wit that manages to be both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Some of the standout moments in the film include Carlin's extended riff on the concept of "stuff" and how obsessed Americans are with it, as well as his hilarious musings on the absurdity of advertising and marketing. He also touches on more taboo subjects such as homosexuality and drug use, employing his razor-sharp humor to make even the most sensitive topics palatable for the audience.

Throughout the film, we see Carlin's vast range as a performer, from his skillful use of physical comedy to his ability to switch seamlessly between different accents and personas. He also showcases his impressive musical abilities, playing guitar and singing a few songs that are guaranteed to get the audience laughing.

As mentioned earlier, the film is not simply a straightforward stand-up performance, but rather a more experimental piece of filmmaking that incorporates skits and behind-the-scenes footage. This approach serves to break up the monotony of a straight stand-up routine, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout.

One of the most memorable skits involves Carlin and fellow comedian Rick Ducommun playing a pair of kitchen appliances who are sick of being mistreated by their human owners. The skit is delightfully bizarre and provides a welcome change of pace from the stand-up material.

Another recurring bit features Carlin in a series of backstage interviews, where he offers his thoughts on various topics and interacts with fellow comedians and crew members. These segments provide a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest comedians of all time, offering insight into his influences, motivations, and creative process.

Overall, George Carlin: Playin With Your Head is a must-see for fans of stand-up comedy and anyone who appreciates smart, irreverent humor. Carlin's performance is nothing short of electric, showcasing his incomparable wit and charisma. The film is a testament to Carlin's legacy as a comedian who pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and made us laugh along the way.

George Carlin: Playin With Your Head is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.