Description
Synopsis: George Carlin’s American Dream, directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, chronicles the life and work of the legendary comedian. Carlin’s career spanned half a century during which he headlined 14 HBO comedy specials and appeared on The Tonight Show over 130 times, constantly evolving with the times and staying sharply resonant up until his death in 2008 and beyond. The documentary examines a cultural chameleon who is remembered as one of the most influential stand-up comics of all time.
The two-part documentary tracks Carlin’s rise to fame and opens an intimate window into Carlin’s personal life, including his childhood in New York City, his long struggle with drugs that took its toll on his health, his brushes with the law, his loving relationship with Brenda, his wife of 36 years, and his second marriage to Sally Wade. Intimate interviews with Carlin and Brenda’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, offer unique insight into her family’s story and her parents enduring love and partnership.
Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Patton Oswalt, Stephen Colbert, Bill Burr, Bette Midler, W. Kamau Bell, Sam Jay, Judy Gold and Jon Stewart are among those that include NEW interviews for this project. Many other comedians are also included in this documentary such as Steve Martin , Chevy Chase, Eugene Levy, Roseanne Barr, Cheech Martin, Dennis Miller, Danny Kaye, Johnny Carson, Arsenio Hall along with Robert Klein, Sam Kinison, Alan King, Larry King, Flip Wilson, Mike Douglas and MORE!
The documentary was edited by Joe Beshenkovsky; executive produced by Apatow, Bonfiglio, Teddy Leifer, Jerry Hamza, and Kelly Carlin. For HBO: executive producers, Lisa Heller and Nancy Abraha
DISC 1 of 2
Episode 1 Air Date 05/20/22: In the 1960s, young George Carlin cuts his teeth in comedy – but stifles his rebellious instincts to achieve mainstream success. As the counterculture emerges, Carlin reinvents himself, shocking and delighting 1970s audiences with sets like “The Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television,” while battling personal demons. Duration 1 Hour 52 Minutes
Bonus Material
Part 1 Recap (2 Minutes)
Part 2 Sneak Peak (2 Minutes)
DISC 2 of 2
Episode 2 Air Date 05/20/22: After a slump in the ‘80s, Carlin comes back with a vengeance, reaching new heights – and new audiences – with another reinvention that highlights his prescient political commentary and sharply honed observations about the state of America and the world. Following his death in 2008, fellow comics reflect on his enduring legacy. Duration 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Bonus Material
Extras: “What George Meant” (11 Minutes)
Total Running Time Discs 1 & 2: 3 Hours 52 Minutes
J. Mac (verified owner) –
A comprehensive look at one of the greatest and most influential comedians ever. MVR as always has mastered this with the best sound and video possible. Very well done. A must for any Carlin fan.
Kathy Fericano (verified owner) –
One of America’s funniest and most insightful comedians whose genius for making us laugh was matched only by his ability to make us think. This is a prized documentary that deserves to be on everyone’s watchlist. Many thanks to the filmmakers, Carlin’s family and to Music Video Resource. MVR has its heart in the right place for making this important contribution to Americana available and affordable.
Tommy Horner (verified owner) –
George Carlin’s American Dream is one of the best documentaries about the life of George Carlin. From the beginnings of his career in radio to stand up, his HBO specials, TV and movies, George Carlin is one of many comedians that are on the Mount Rushmore of Comedy. The 2 DVD set of this documentary is the best with special features added. Thanks to MVR for making this documentary available on DVD for the first time.
jimgainer (verified owner) –
I don’t use streaming services much and have a robust dvd collection…I NEEDED to own this movie. George Carlin was the only true philosopher we had in the late 20th century/early 21st, and Judd Apatow made the perfect documentary about him.
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH MUSIC VIDEO RESOURCE!! This movie was very important to me and it’s extremely meaningful that you put it on dvd and allowed me to own it 🙂 I’ll be telling everyone I know about your website!!