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I Am Comic

Name: I Am Comic
Director: Jordan Brady
Released: 2010
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2010

Director

Jordan Brady

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

I Am Comic operates as a traditional observational documentary centered on the professional and psychological struggles of stand-up comedians. The film prioritizes the study of a specific career over the intentional examination of systemic power structures. Since the story focuses on Ritch Shydner's comeback and his peers, the film largely mirrors the historical demographics of the comedy industry. This leads to a lack of diverse representation across various categories. Overall, the work serves as a study of a specific subculture rather than a tool for challenging societal norms. It captures the quirks of the comedy circuit without a clear aim to defy conventional expectations.

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Category Breakdown

Does I Am Comic have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the professional lives of comedians. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories that question the idea that everyone is straight.

How does I Am Comic portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around Ritch Shydner and his colleagues. It seems to reflect the traditional makeup of the comedy industry, with no clear evidence of women driving the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is I Am Comic?

Limited

The documentary looks at the world of working comedians. It does not make a special effort to include a diverse cast with non-white or non-Anglo-Saxon backgrounds.

How does I Am Comic represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film documents a particular professional culture. It stays neutral without emphasizing secular or anti-capitalist themes.

Does I Am Comic include disability representation?

Limited

The film examines the mental health profiles of performers. Characters with disabilities are not central to the story’s development.

Present on Screen

Provides deep, unprecedented backstage access to the professional comedy circuit.
Offers a detailed look into the psychological mindset of working comedians.
Includes a wide range of perspectives from over 80 industry peers.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentionality in representing LGBTQ+ characters and narratives.
Reflects traditional, male-dominated industry demographics without challenging them.
Does not offer a diverse exploration of identity-based racial experiences.

Official Synopsis

Through unprecedented backstage access and candid interviews, the film weaves through the absurd world of the working comedian and reveals a crazy and hilarious psychological profile of its practitioners. We also follow retired comic Ritch Shydner's attempt to climb back on stage after a thirteen-year hiatus. At the top of his game in the 1980's, Shydner had HBO specials, shot five pilot TV shows, and numerous late night appearances (Carson, Letterman, Leno, etc.) but the big time eluded him. Equipped with the collective wisdom and nutty musings of over 80 of his peers, he gives it another shot. Does Ritch have what it takes to connect with today's young crowds and still get the laughs?

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