Watch Lenny

Lenny from 1974 is a biographical drama film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, and Jan Miner. The movie is about the life of stand-up comedian and social critic Lenny Bruce. It is based on the book, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Lenny Bruce" by Albert Goldman, which was a compilation of transcriptions of Lenny Bruce's comedy performances.

The movie explores the life and career of Lenny Bruce, from his early days as a struggling comedian to his rise to fame and eventual downfall. The film chronicles Bruce's controversial brand of comedy that often challenged societal norms and exposed the hypocrisy of those in power.

Dustin Hoffman delivers an outstanding performance as Lenny Bruce, capturing his eccentricities, wit, and vulnerability. Through Hoffman's portrayal, we see the complexity of Lenny's character, his struggle with addiction and his deteriorating mental health.

Valerie Perrine plays the role of Honey Bruce, Lenny's second wife. Perrine's portrayal of Honey is nuanced and layered, showing the love and devotion she had for Lenny despite their tumultuous relationship.

Jan Miner plays the role of Sally Marr, Lenny's overbearing mother. Miner's performance is outstanding, depicting the mother-son relationship that was both dysfunctional and loving.

The film is interspersed with scenes from Lenny's comedy performances that showcase his raw and edgy style of humor. The movie also explores the legal battles that Lenny faced for his controversial content, which led to his arrest and eventual conviction for obscenity.

The film is shot in black and white, which adds to the gritty and raw feel of the movie. The use of music and lighting in the film is also noteworthy, creating an immersive and emotional experience for the audience.

Overall, Lenny from 1974 is a masterful portrayal of a complex and controversial figure in the world of comedy. The film captures the essence of Lenny Bruce's comedy and the complexities of his character, showcasing the impact he had on the world of comedy and free speech. The performances by Hoffman, Perrine and Miner are outstanding, bringing to life the characters in a way that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. If you're a fan of biographical dramas, Lenny from 1974 is definitely worth watching.

Lenny is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 61.