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Good comedians make it seem as if they create their own gags. But anyone even somewhat savvy about show business knows that witty writers have provided some if not all of the laugh-lines. Enter Bruce Vilanch, reportedly a legend among show business folk but virtually unknown to the public. At least until now. Director Andy Kuehn's lively, often hilarious documentary should rectify that.
Bruce, a colorful practitioner of comedy writing, has been called upon by such luminaries as Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal to make them funny and they generously admit his contributions. He has provided much of the comic material for Oscar telecasts and Goldberg credits him with the raunchy jokes that stirred trouble at a Friar's roast, but takes the blame by saying he only provided what she requested.
We get to know various sides of Vilanch--he is openly gay--through interviews with him and others, and even better, through some uproarious conversations with Crystal, Goldberg, Midler and Williams. These are very entertaining stars, with or without Bruce, but one comes away appreciating that they can be even funnier with Bruce's help. Vilanch also emerges as a likable entertainer and an amusing but sensitive person in his own right. A Miramax Films release.
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