Watch Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story
- NR
- 2019
- 1 hr 47 min
-
6.5 (936)
Kathy Griffin is a controversial figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her sharp-tongued humor and no-holds-barred approach to comedy, she has often found herself at the center of controversies. In 2017, she found herself embroiled in a scandal when she posted a photo of herself holding what appeared to be the severed head of President Donald Trump. The photo sparked outrage, and Griffin was subjected to massive backlash, with many calling for her to be fired and even prosecuted.
Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story is a documentary film that chronicles Griffin's experience in the aftermath of the photo controversy, as well as her life and career up to that point. The film is directed by Troy Miller, who is known for his work on shows like Flight of the Conchords and Inside Amy Schumer.
The film begins by showing footage of Griffin's infamous photo shoot, as well as the public reaction to it. It then delves into the fallout that ensued, with Griffin receiving death threats and losing her job as a host of CNN's New Year's Eve Live broadcast. She also faced an investigation by the Secret Service, which she describes as one of the most terrifying experiences of her life.
But the film is not just about the controversy; it also delves into Griffin's personal and professional life, showing her as a hardworking and determined comedian who has always pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in comedy. We see her early days in the industry, performing in small clubs and struggling to make a name for herself. We also see how she became a household name, with appearances on shows like Suddenly Susan and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
Throughout the film, Griffin is candid and unapologetic about her approach to comedy, even when it has landed her in hot water. She talks openly about the challenges she has faced as a woman in the industry, as well as her struggles with addiction and mental health issues. She also shows her vulnerability, tearing up as she talks about the toll that the controversy took on her personal life.
The film also features interviews with some of Griffin's closest friends and collaborators, including lawyer Ted Boutrous and her longtime partner Randy Bick. Boutrous talks about the legal battles that Griffin faced in the aftermath of the photo scandal, while Bick provides insight into Griffin's personal life and their relationship.
Overall, Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story is an engrossing and emotional look into the life and career of one of the most divisive figures in comedy. It is a testament to Griffin's resilience and determination, as well as her willingness to speak her mind even in the face of intense backlash. While some may still find her humor offensive, the film makes a compelling case for why her voice is an important one in an industry that often silences those who dare to challenge the status quo.
Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.