The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling

2018
8.4| 4h19m| en
Details

A look at the life and career of stand-up comedian and actor, Garry Shandling through his personal diaries.

Director

Producted By

Apatow Productions

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Reviews

TinsHeadline Touches You
SunnyHello Nice effects though.
Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
YolkyPalky Judd's documentary is comprehensive of Garry's life, from childhood beginnings to his end days. I doubt many people realized the childhood pain Garry suffered and carried with him his whole life when his brother died. Childhood trauma, which often occurs from a fractured or broken relationship like a parent or sibling dying, sudden departure of a parent from the family, etc., is often the root cause of many emotional and psychological problems in adulthood. Judd's film underscored this by emphasizing the impact of the death of Garry's brother in childhood.It was also incredible to see how many other comedian's lives Garry touched and influenced along the way. It was as though Garry became somewhat of a muse in the world of comedy and comedians would seek him out for counsel and advice.I suppose I could critique one thing about the movie. The one thing that was kind of swept under the rug and hidden from the audience, and I don't blame Judd for not emphasizing this, was Garry's apparent use and perhaps even addiction to opiate painkillers. You can see how Garry was an emotionally tormented soul, and the movie emphasizes how Garry spent a lifetime searching for truth, happiness, and contentment. The thing about opiate painkillers is they don't just numb physical pain, which Garry surely had after major surgery, but they also numb emotional pain, which surely made Garry susceptible to it's trappings. The toxicology report found Xanax, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone in Garry's system at time of death. I think it was known among Garry's friends that he had a problem. The film could've addressed this issue head-on instead of not really addressing it at all, especially considering others in the film, or talked about in the film, like Tom Petty and Prince, died from similar reasons.Overall a terrific look back at a comedy genius and Garry will surely be missed by everyone who knew him, and those who didn't as well.
rssrsvp Judd Apatow remembered and honored his friend and mentor with this touching documentary where you could really feel and see the love from all he came in contact with during his career. I remember growing up and seeing Garry when he appeared on the Tonight Show and couldn't believe when he walked away from it. One of my all-time favorite HBO series was the Larry Sanders Show which for lack of a better description was sheer genius!Simply put, Garry Shandling was an amazing performer who left us too soon and considered by many one of the best comedians ever to grace the stage and entertain us. Judd, you brought tears to my eyes when I watched this HBO special. Thank you for remembering and honoring Garry Shandling in such a manner!
jnucif2720 Apatow paints a finely woven, richly detailed journey of Garry Shandling's state of being. As a documentarian Apatow makes a most impressive debut, it is the best I've seen in a very long time. HBO has chosen the right subject and the right person to tell this deeply intimate fully formed biography of a brilliant comedian.
miketobin-56828 Being a bit too young to know Garry in his prime, I learned first of Shandling in Apatow's great jam packed interview book 'Sick in the Head.' The interview alone was enough to get me to check out the Larry Sanders show, watch old late night interviews on YouTube and invest time in Shandlings career..This documentary expanded on the life of Garry Ten-fold in a truly beautiful and touching way. Judd has done a respectable and thorough job in showing us the life and mind of a comedic genius. I'll rewatch this one again for both entertainment and inspiration. Thank you Judd.

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