The Comedian is an upcoming comedy about aging insult comic Jackie Burke (portrayed by Robert De Niro). The art of insult comedy is interesting as it involves both insulting people and making sure people are entertained. Luckily it seems like there’s plenty of both in this movie. After punching a patron in the face, Jackie is sentenced to 100 hours of community service. During his community service he meets Harmony Schiltz (portrayed by Leslie Mann). They strike up a relationship and start going out, meanwhile Jackie has gone viral and as such he starts to experience a bit of a career comeback.
The jazz music in the trailer makes it feel like this movie is a more vulgar version of a Woody Allen flick. Louis C.K. fans will notice that the famous comedy club called The Comedy Cellar (featured in the opening credits of C.K.’s TV series Louie) is also prominently featured in this trailer. The Comedian looks like it might be a return to form for Robert De Niro after years of appearing in movies that haven’t done well commercially or critically.
Hopefully this will be the start of a new golden era for him with projects like a Ferrari biopic and a new Scorsese collaboration around the corner. Speaking of Scorsese collaborators, it was very nice to see Harvey Keitel (who has been rumoured to be involved in the upcoming Scorsese-De Niro collaboration), pop up in this trailer playing Harmony’s father Mac.
The Comedian is directed by Taylor Hackford and stars Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Danny DeVito, Edie Falco, Charles Grodin, Harvey Keitel and Patti LuPone. It will be released in the U.S. on February 3rd, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think this will be a return to form for Robert De Niro? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.