Call Me Lucky Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A curmudgeonly comic with a secret past unleashes verbal lightning bolts on politicians and internet perverts, proving that anger can be a powerful tool for good.

🍿 Call Me Lucky: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introducing Barry Crimmins: The Acerbic Comedian

Bobcat Goldthwait’s ‘Call Me Lucky’ introduces audiences to Barry Crimmins, a lesser-known but highly influential figure in the stand-up comedy world. Known for his “hellfire brand” of satire, Crimmins delivered rapid-fire, politically charged observations that challenged ignorance and complacency, particularly during the 1980s. He became a significant mentor, nurturing the careers of many celebrated comedians, as highlighted by interviews with comics like Marc Maron and Margaret Cho.

A Comedian’s Raw Honesty and Influence

The film showcases Crimmins’ unique comedic style, which combined biting social commentary with raw, personal insights. His performances were often described as a ‘war on ignorance,’ positioning him among the ranks of outspoken comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. Beyond his performances, Crimmins played a pivotal role in the Boston comedy scene, establishing a club that became a breeding ground for future stars.

A Hidden Past Comes to Light

Midway through the documentary, ‘Call Me Lucky’ takes a profound and emotional turn as Crimmins reveals a deeply painful secret from his childhood. This revelation, first shared publicly during a 1992 monologue, unveils the harrowing experiences that profoundly shaped his worldview and fueled his lifelong anger and activism. The film handles this sensitive topic by focusing on its impact on Crimmins’ character and subsequent actions.

From Comedy to Activism: A New Crusade

Inspired by his past, Crimmins dedicates his life to a powerful campaign of activism, striving to prevent others from similar experiences. He channeled his anger and sharp intellect into fighting for children’s safety, particularly in the nascent days of the internet. This includes his tireless efforts to confront internet service providers, like AOL, regarding the prevalence of child exploitation content online, long before such issues gained widespread recognition and legal recourse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Self (Barry Crimmins): The documentary’s central figure, a caustic comedian and passionate children’s rights activist driven by his own traumatic past.
• Self (Marc Maron): A fellow comedian and interviewer who provides perspective on Barry Crimmins’ love for comedy and his significant influence on other comics.
• Self (Margaret Cho): A comedian who offers testimony on Barry Crimmins’ impact and his role in discovering and supporting new talent in the comedy community.
• Self (Steven Wright): A prominent comedian who was mentored by Barry Crimmins, illustrating Crimmins’ foundational role in nurturing influential comedic voices.
• Self (Lenny Clarke): A comedian whose early career was supported by Barry Crimmins, reflecting Crimmins’ enduring mentorship within the comedy world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Barry Crimmins: “I’m whatever threatens you. I’m a communist with AIDS and I bite.” – Crimmins uses this provocative statement to define his confrontational and unapologetic persona, both as a comedian and an activist.
• Barry Crimmins: “I’m not a f***ing victim, but I am a witness.” – He states this with profound conviction when discussing his past trauma, emphasizing his choice to speak out and advocate for others rather than be defined solely by his suffering.
• Barry Crimmins: “It’s just a basement.” – Crimmins says this with a calm, almost detached demeanor when revisiting the physical location of his childhood abuse, illustrating his processing and functional acceptance of the past.
• Marc Maron: “When I first saw him I thought, ‘who does he think he is, he should be taken down a notch,’ and now I think, ‘he should be taken up a notch.’” – Marc Maron reflects on his evolving perception of Barry Crimmins, acknowledging Crimmins’s immense impact and depth that transcends initial impressions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Not Disclosed
• Domestic Gross: Not Disclosed
• Worldwide Gross: Not Disclosed

💥 Call Me Lucky Reviews

Personal Review

Wow. I went into ‘Call Me Lucky’ expecting a doc about a cool, obscure comedian, and while it definitely delivered on that, it was so much more. Barry Crimmins is an absolute force of nature, and his stand-up clips alone are worth the watch; they’re just so cutting and fearless. But when the film shifts to his personal story, it hits you like a ton of bricks. I was completely floored by his honesty and resilience, especially his work advocating for child safety. The segment with him at the Senate hearing, confronting the AOL guy, was just incredible – I literally cheered out loud. It’s a powerful reminder that true heroes aren’t always in capes, sometimes they’re just angry, brilliant people refusing to be silenced. This film left me feeling angry, inspired, and deeply moved. Seriously, everyone needs to see this.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of stand-up comedy and comedy history”
  • “Viewers interested in social justice documentaries”
  • “Those who appreciate raw, honest biographical films”
  • “Individuals interested in stories of overcoming trauma and activism”
  • “Fans of Bobcat Goldthwait’s directorial work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of child sexual abuse and molestation”
  • “Strong language and mature themes”
  • “Potentially disturbing content”
  • “Themes of anger and societal critique”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritique Today: “Bobcat Goldthwait’s ‘Call Me Lucky’ is a searing, essential portrait of Barry Crimmins, a comedian whose career was defined by raw truth and relentless political satire. Beyond the laughs, the film unveils a deeply personal narrative of trauma and activism, making for an incredibly impactful viewing experience. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding documentary that champions the power of voice and the fight against injustice.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by Barry Crimmins’s courageous and raw revelations.: The powerful blend of humor and heartbreaking truth, especially Crimmins’s unwavering dedication to activism, resonated profoundly with audiences.

Many found the film to be a compelling and eye-opening experience into a lesser-known but incredibly impactful figure.: The documentary’s unflinching honesty, combined with Goldthwait’s masterful storytelling, made it a highly emotional and unforgettable watch for most viewers.

Overall Consensus: ‘Call Me Lucky’ is a potent and unforgettable documentary, lauded for its raw honesty, dark humor, and the inspiring portrayal of Barry Crimmins’s transformation from a rage-filled comedian to a powerful activist.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Bobcat Goldthwait revealed that his close friend Robin Williams, who tragically passed away during the film’s production, had expressed interest in playing Barry Crimmins if the story were adapted into a dramatic film.”
• “Barry Crimmins played a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting the careers of many prominent comedians, including Denis Leary, Steven Wright, Tom Kenny, and Paula Poundstone.”
• “The documentary’s director, Bobcat Goldthwait, has a deep personal connection to Barry Crimmins, who helped Goldthwait with his own sobriety years prior.”
• “The film’s narrative structure deliberately withholds the full revelation of Crimmins’s childhood trauma until about halfway through, aiming to provide a powerful, impactful ‘plot twist’ for viewers unfamiliar with his story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Call Me Lucky?

The powerful documentary ‘Call Me Lucky’ is available for digital purchase or rental on various platforms. You can typically find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for pricing and availability to watch this insightful film directed by Bobcat Goldthwait.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Call Me Lucky, you might like these similar films:

• American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009): This documentary similarly chronicles the life and politically charged career of another influential and uncompromising stand-up comedian who challenged societal norms.
• Spotlight (2015): Like ‘Call Me Lucky,’ this film delves into the harrowing reality of systemic child abuse and the tireless efforts of individuals to expose and combat it, directly aligning with Crimmins’s activism.
• Nanette (2018): Hannah Gadsby’s groundbreaking stand-up special similarly navigates the line between comedy and deeply personal, painful revelations, mirroring Crimmins’s journey of using his platform to address trauma.
• Born on the Fourth of July (1989): Captures the strong anti-war sentiment and political disillusionment of the era that fueled much of Barry Crimmins’s comedic and activist work.
• World’s Greatest Dad (2009): Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, this dark comedy explores unexpected and morally ambiguous plot twists, demonstrating Goldthwait’s willingness to tackle challenging subjects with an unconventional narrative approach, much like ‘Call Me Lucky’ reveals Crimmins’s past.

🛒 Call Me Lucky Related Products

• Call Me Lucky (DVD/Blu-ray): Own Bobcat Goldthwait’s critically acclaimed documentary ‘Call Me Lucky’ on DVD or Blu-ray. Features bonus content including extended interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, offering deeper insights into Barry Crimmins’s life and work.
• Barry Crimmins: The Christening (Stand-Up Comedy Album): Experience the unfiltered genius of Barry Crimmins with his stand-up comedy album, ‘The Christening.’ This album showcases his signature caustic wit, political satire, and fearless comedic style that influenced generations.
• I’m Whatever Threatens You: Barry Crimmins in His Own Words (Graphic Novel): A graphic novel biography co-written by Bobcat Goldthwait and illustrated by Dean Haspiel, this book delves into Barry Crimmins’s life, his comedy, and his activism through a unique visual medium, offering a different perspective on his incredible journey.
• Vintage Boston Comedy Club Poster – ‘The Ding Ho’ Inspired Art Print: A retro-styled art print inspired by ‘The Ding Ho,’ the legendary Boston comedy club co-founded by Barry Crimmins. This unique poster captures the gritty, vibrant essence of the ’80s comedy scene where many stars got their start.

🎧 Soundtrack

Call Me Lucky features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

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