Susan Granger’s review of “The Aristocrats” (ThinkFilm)
For many years, “Pink Flamingos” reigned as the filthiest film ever made. Now it’s Paul Provenza’s unapologetically profane riff on one particularly dirty joke whose roots go back to vaudeville and whose impact illustrates the power of language to shock one’s sensibilities. “A guy goes into a talent booking agent’s office…” the joke begins. And then, depending on which comedian is relating it, the joke launches into a graphic description of the guy’s act, which involves his entire family engaged in a variety of sexual and scatological acts. Nothing is off-limits: incest, sodomy, bestiality, racism, defecation. It’s not only misogynistic but politically incorrect. Stunned, the agent inquires what the act is called. The punch line: “The Aristocrats.” bWhile not particularly funny, this joke has become a showbiz link among humorists; it’s like a secret club handshake. As they tell it, each comedian – Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Carey, Phyllis Diller, George Carlin, Chris Rock and Jon Stewart – embellishes it, often riffing on the nature of comedy and how to tell a joke. Eric Idle does a Scottish version. Hank Azaria gives it a Polish twist. Kevin Pollack variation has a Christopher Walken imitation. There’s even a mime version. But the most timely, outrageous interpretation turns out to be Gilbert Gottfried’s rendition at a Friars Club Roast for Playboy’s Hugh Hefner in Manhattan, just after 9/11. Director Paul Provenza and producer Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller) take freedom of expression to the limit in this lewd documentary. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Aristocrats” is a vulgar, vile, disgusting 7, and I suspect audiences will flock to see what all the fuss is about. While offensive, it’s destined to be a staple on the triple-X rated video shelf.
