Drunk Stoned, Brilliant, Dead is a compelling documentary film that explores the story of National Lampoon, a satirical magazine that was founded by Harvard alumni in 1970. The magazine was known for its sardonic humor, taboo subjects, and biting political commentary. The film chronicles the rise and fall of National Lampoon, covering its early success, innovative humor, and the cast of celebrity comics who contributed to the magazine's popularity.
The documentary is narrated by some of the magazine's most prominent contributors, including John Belushi and Chevy Chase. Furthermore, it offers interviews from the people who brought the magazine to life, including editor-in-chief Doug Kenney and writers Gerry Sussman, Chris Miller, and Michael O'Donoghue.
The film takes us through the early days of National Lampoon, as it slowly gained popularity amongst people in search of cutting-edge, irreverent humor. The magazine thrived in a time when people were longing for something other than traditional, mainstream comedy. The film is interspersed with amusing, animated depictions of various magazine covers and the comics that made them famous. The magazine's unique brand of humor is truly captured by the use of real-life footage of some of its most famous acts.
As the magazine gained notoriety, it was catapulted into the entertainment industry, spawning several movies, including the iconic National Lampoon's Animal House (1978). The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the various projects, delving into some of the more dramatic moments that played out during production. For instance, some of the contributors talk candidly about the struggles they faced, including drug addiction and the politics of creative collaborations.
The documentary also covers some of the darker aspects of National Lampoon, specifically the death of John Belushi. Belushi, who notably played many characters on Saturday Night Live was a contributing writer to the magazine. The documentary recounts the events leading up to Belushi's tragic death, providing previously unseen footage from the icon's final days. Moreover, it examines the magazine's shortcomings, including how it struggled to adapt to the changing comedy landscape of the 1980s.
Drunk Stoned, Brilliant, Dead is an excellent documentary that offers a fascinating perspective on the history of National Lampoon. The film is informative and entertaining, providing insights into the creative process and the ways in which the publication influenced American culture. Its use of real-life footage, interviews, and animated sequences captures the spirit of National Lampoon seamlessly. The documentary is an excellent tribute to the magazine's enduring legacy, portraying its rise and fall with a level of depth and complexity.
Sam Gross and Harold Ramis deserve accolades for their performances in this documentary. Sam Gross was one of the magazine's most well-known cartoonists and contributed to the publication for over two decades. Harold Ramis, who is known for his role in films such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, was a writer for National Lampoon and acted as an advisor for some of the magazine's film adaptations.
In conclusion, Drunk Stoned, Brilliant, Dead is an excellent documentary that offers exceptional insights into the world of National Lampoon. It provides us with a thorough account of the magazine's 10-year history and portrays the brand of humor that made it famous. While it may not be suitable for all viewers, it offers a thought-provoking and entertaining glimpse into the inner workings of a publishing phenomenon that paved the way for comedy as we know it today.
