Lenny

A tribute to ground-breaking comedian Lenny Bruce and - another - absolutely breathtaking performance by Dustin Hoffman (and, as is typical for that period of filmmaking, pretty much everyone of the cast). When seventies cinema was good, it was really, really good, and it is, at least acting-wise, only rarely rivaled in contemporary productions. As a character study and also as a snap shot of an era, 'Lenny' is essential viewing. 8 stars out of 10. In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites: imdb.com/list/ls070242495

I never got to see Lenny Bruce perform. Apparently, he broke the mold when it came to political and social commentary. He was down and dirty with social mores. But under all that was a depressed fragile man, a drug user, an alcoholic. He had trouble relating to his audiences and yet they adored him. So he was willing to put it out there while he lived in darkness. Dustin Hoffmann's performance is without peer. He manages to get the edginess into his delivery and be that person. The black and white allows us to not be distracted by colors that would take away our sensations. We follow Lenny Bruce as he fights for sanity amid a world where he has trouble seeing the upside.