Heckler begins with an intriguing analysis of the “heckler” phenomenon, in which a member of the audience inserts him or herself into a public performance by making rude remarks or otherwise causing a scene. Comedians are most often on the receiving end of this abuse, and many of them—from the well-known (Louie Anderson, Bill Maher, David Allen Grier) to the obscure—are on hand in Michael Addis' documentary. Their comments are interwoven with a variety of clips of hecklers in action, including Michael Richards' career-ruining, racist outburst at an L.A. comedy club (my personal favorite response: Barbra Streisand's “Shut the fuck up!” at Madison Square Garden in 2006). Some of this is pretty entertaining, but the documentary takes an unfortunate left turn when it equates hecklers with critics and then launches into a one-sided diatribe about the loathe/hate relationship between creative types and those who pass judgment on their work. Leading the way is actor-comedian (and co-producer here) Jamie Kennedy, who's so incensed by the awful reviews for Son of the Mask, the 2005 film in which he starred, that he sets out to confront some of his tormentors in person. His (and the other performers') principal objections are twofold: first, the attacks are unnecessarily personal; second—to paraphrase—those who haven't walked the walk shouldn't be able to talk the talk. These points are debatable, but what's beyond dispute is that Kennedy and his compadres are incredibly thin-skinned and paranoid (some even admit same on camera). It's also worth noting (although the film doesn't) that the critics who really count—i.e., the paying public—registered their opinions by not going to Son of the Mask (a flop that only grossed $17M), which makes Kennedy's whining seem like sour grapes. Dude, your movie stunk. Get over it. Optional. (S. Graham)
Heckler
Echo Bridge, 78 min., R, DVD: $19.99, Sept. 9 Volume 23, Issue 5
Heckler
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