Gilbert

Neil Berkeley's 2017 documentary is a portrait of the comedian Gilbert Gottfried. Gottfried is known for shouting on stage, screwing up his eyes and joking about the most taboo subjects, and the film shows that this persona disappears entirely offstage. At home there is a quiet, frugal man devoted to his family; he collects hotel soap, avoids spending money and told nobody about the family he started after forty. The film also describes the economic reality of the trade: constantly travelling, working small clubs and taking every job. Losing work over jokes he made after a disaster is treated as its own section. The tone is warm and respectful. Who it's for: viewers curious about comedy documentary and the world of performance. Who it's not for: anyone who finds his humour uncomfortable; the documentary does not spare the examples.