WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What makes up the analysis of one’s life? The gauges by which we determine what equals success or failure? How do we cope with events that either tear us down or embolden us with a newfound confidence that we are accomplishing what we’ve strived for? Is there a point where we come down from heights of joy and reality hits us square in the jaw, knocking the wind out of us, giving us pause about whether ongoing goals are actually worth seeking and/or maintaining? Do we simply step back, assessing all facets of our lives, and come to the realizations that the mix of good and bad is all a grander part of our human existence?
Out of this myriad of questions we might ponder, daily or otherwise, comes the notions about the sheer struggle it is to make it in the entertainment business, focusing specifically on the world of stand-up comedy. With the constant pressure of material to research and create, venues to perform at, and success hanging on the sounds of an audience’s laughter or the failure designated by a severe lack thereof, it’s a wonder anyone would truly aim to push the limits of mental and emotional boundaries needed to gain elusive notoriety enough to have consistent gigs for a few weeks or months at a time, much less continue when it all seems like it will never totally break out. Plus, you have to work another job.
Welcome to the actuality of comedian Jack Sundmacher. This is a glimpse of his story.
Next, my Mind:
Taking on a different direction from the often war veteran-themed efforts they are known for like “My Own War” and “Gander: America’s Hero Dog“, director/cinematographer/editor Stacey Stone and executive producer Diane Mellen instead choose to tackle the ever-fluctuating human condition through the eyes of the Hollywood comedy scene and one man’s journey that is as touching and inspiring as it is candidly heartbreaking. When seeing just how demanding, humbling, emotionally harrowing, and personally draining it can be to try and make a full-time stand-up career in a city of high competition, huge shoes to fill or even follow, originality to aspire to, and laughs to garner, much less having to likewise face the facts that you also need to work another job to ensure ends meet, it would really be enough for most people to up and quit out of total discouragement.
But, this is really the magic of the film in that it presents its subject and associated themes in such a way as to play both sides of the “road to success or failure”, causing the viewer to ascertain exactly how they might feel if finding themselves in similar shoes as Sundmacher and the narrative he presents through Mellen’s interview with him as she follows him around daily routines, with him sharing the ups and downs, highs and lows, pains and pleasures of the stand-up comedy realms which are, as hinted above in general, are quite intimidating, potentially humiliating, yet uniquely fulfilling to experience and persevere in. Additionally, the project showcases the other job Sundmacher has to do to supplement his comedy gigs which, along with his wife and daughter, has become one of his primary means of escaping bouts of self-loathing and self-doubt in the wake of his stand-up gigs. The therapeutic nature of this second endeavor impacts him emphatically, and is interesting to take in and chew on, again due to the transparent candor of the comedian’s thoughts.
Visually the film, like Stone and Mellen’s other efforts, is clearly and smooth shot and very much embraces its subject with intent and purpose, capturing every little nuance and air of both restlessness and settled calm that the comedian conveys, an embracing of the humorous and sensible. Throughout, Sundmacher makes it all accessible, grounded, real, and memorable while likewise painting the highly revealing, intimate portrait of just how isolating in soul and spirit it can be to be working so overtly hard to “make it” while always needing to be mindful of the truth it might not ever completely reach the level he wishes to attain. This then puts an even greater emphasis on those times where a gig goes really well, with an audience reaction to his jokes right where he wants it to be, and the importance of grasping on tightly to those moments of feeling even the briefest sense of accomplishment. The beautifully stirring reminders Sundmacher provides about the love he has for his wife and daughter compliment the stories of inner struggle well, making us empathize with him more and more.
In total, “Jack” is a wonderfully effective glance into the life of a person laboring to achieve consistent and fulfilling success in an unforgiving industry that sees more than its fair share of wannabes come and go without even flinching. But, here we also get a picture of a man who refuses to give up or give in to those pressures, despite the personal toll it can sometimes take, in order to do everything he can to travel his comedic road as far as it can possibly go while being totally willing to accept for now that needed solace from said strains will always be present in family he loves and from man’s best friend, too. I know this critic hopes that Sundmacher establishes high success that will be well-deserved even as it all serves as a reminder of my own journey to make a name that will be remembered and sought after, not just for me, but to the mutual benefit of all whom I cross journeys with. Just don’t give up. Ever.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
