Few comedians have had the longevity, let alone the success, that Mel Brooks has had. The new HBO documentary “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man” will dive into the story behind the legend.
This two-part film is directed by Emmy-winners Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man” will look at the life, career, friendships, and loves of the influential writer, director, producer, and performer. It explores some of his earliest forays into the satirical style that would become his signature—using humor to mock the powers that be while resisting authority in his own way.
The documentary features a candid conversation between Apatow and Brooks. This is framed around rare archival footage of Brooks’ earliest sketches, as well as his Broadway runs, and hit films like “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Spaceballs,” and “The Producers.”
Specifically focusing on how he used these projects to cope with personal pain, postwar trauma, and the absurdities of life. Transforming all of that trauma into bold and hilarious scenes that have inspired countless other filmmakers and comedians.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man”
Part 1 will look at Brooks’ early life growing up in Brooklyn, his time in the military during WWII, to his start in television, where he laid the foundation for modern sketch comedy alongside Sid Caesar, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbert, and the late Carl Reiner.
Part 2 will dive into his rise to superstardom and his impact on audiences, not to mention future generations of entertainers. While also examining his relationships with frequent collaborators Reiner and the late Gene Wilder, and his 41-year marriage to the late Anne Bancroft.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man,” features new interviews with Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Josh Gad, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, and Tracey Ullman. Along with the late Rob Reiner, Robert Townsend, Peter Farrelly, Jerry Zucker, David Zucker, Barry Levinson, and the late David Lynch. As well as Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick, and Nathan Lane. Interviews with Brooks’ children, Stefanie, Nicolas, Eddie, and Max, and granddaughter Samantha are also featured.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man” part 1 hits HBO on January 22nd, with part 2 on January 23rd. Both parts will be available on HBO Max starting January 22nd.
You can check out the new trailer and poster below:
