Comedic documentaries existed, but were scarce until Christopher Guest took the reins with WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. By directing, co-writing & starring in the film, Guest assembled a company of actors & manner of heartfelt storytelling. And twenty-five years post-release, GUFFMAN’s “comedy is reality, but one step further” philosophy has become one of the most popular genres.
**Discussions include**
Brief career history of Christopher Guest from the ‘70s to GUFFMAN; Guest’s relationship & creation process with writing partner, Eugene Levy; writing & shooting for a musical; inspirations for the story, style of comedy, creating a small town feel with universal relatability; use of improvisation, purposeful casting, character development; structure, editing process, production details, reception & release; discussion of script changes, omitted scenes, favorite moments & ranking our favorite of Guest’s films with this comedy troupe.
WAITING FOR GUFFMAN (1996)
Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard, Parker Posey, Bob Balaban. Directed by Christopher Guest.
***Picks of the Week***
—Lindsay’s Pick:
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (2006)
Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Parker Posey, Christopher Moynihan, Harry Shearer, plus all the usual suspects.
Directed by Christopher Guest.
—Justin’s Pick:
A MIGHTY WIND (2003)
Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, plus all the usual suspects.
Directed by Christopher Guest.
***MurrayMoment***
Billy & Christopher Guest’s time working on the National Lampoon Radio Hour, focusing on two recorded pieces, one featuring GUFFMAN player & Murray brother, Brian Doyle Murray.
***Final Thoughts on WAITING FOR GUFFMAN.***
Next Episode: BEVERLY HILLS COP!
Be Kind and Rewatch! // August 3, 2021
Episode 115 : Donnie Darko
Episode 114 : Party Girl
Episode 113 : The Before Trilogy
Episode 112 : The Exorcist
Episode 111 : After Hours
Episode 110 : Evil Dead 2
Episode 109 : Teen Wolf
Episode 108 : American Psycho
Episode 107 : Se7en
Episode 106 : National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Episode 105 : School Of Rock
Episode 104 : Menace II Society
Episode 103 : The Fugitive
Episode 102 : The Obsession From Hell (90’s Special)
Episode 101 : Groundhog Day
Episode 100 : Die Hard
Episode 99 : A Few Good Men
Episode 98 : Poltergeist (1982)
Episode 97 : The Ring
Episode 96 : Reservoir Dogs
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