Watch The Roots Of Monty Python

The Roots of Monty Python from 2005 is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the origins of the iconic British comedy troupe Monty Python. The film features interviews with members of the group as well as several of their collaborators and admirers. The documentary is structured into several sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the history of Monty Python. The film begins by looking at the early careers of the group's members, including their work in radio and television before they came together as a collective.

From there, the film delves into the writing and creative process behind Monty Python's sketches and movies. Interviews with the surviving members of the group, including John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle, offer insights into how the group developed their unique brand of absurdist humor.

The Roots of Monty Python also examines the cultural context in which the group emerged. The film explores the social and political climate of 1960s Britain, a time of significant upheaval and change. This background is essential to understanding the group's subversive approach to comedy and their willingness to push boundaries and challenge convention.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is its exploration of Monty Python's influence on other comedians and artists. Interviews with Steve Martin, Rowan Atkinson, and others showcase the group's long-lasting impact on the comedy world.

Throughout the film, archival footage of Monty Python's most famous sketches and performances is interspersed with interviews and insights from the group's creators. These clips are a reminder of just how revolutionary and groundbreaking the group's work was when it first aired, and how it still manages to elicit laughter and acclaim today.

The Roots of Monty Python is not just a love letter to the comedy troupe, however. The film also grapples with the controversies and criticisms that have been leveled at Monty Python over the years. The group has been accused of sexism, racism, and cultural insensitivity, and the documentary addresses these concerns head-on.

In one particularly poignant segment of the film, interviews with the only female member of Monty Python, Carol Cleveland, shed light on the difficulties she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. This focus on the group's flaws and missteps adds a layer of complexity to the documentary and makes it a more nuanced exploration of Monty Python's legacy.

Overall, The Roots of Monty Python is an entertaining and informative documentary that explores the origins and impact of one of the most influential comedy groups in history. With its mix of archival footage, interviews, and insights, the film offers a comprehensive and compelling portrait of a group that continues to make audiences laugh more than five decades after their first performance.

The Roots Of Monty Python is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.