Reviewed by Charlie Trimarco
(February 2011)
Directed by: James David Pasternak
Starring: Jonathan Winters
Improvise (im-pre-vize). Verb. “To compose or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation; extemporize.” Or “to make or do with the tools and materials at hand.”
In comedian Jonathan Winters’ case, both definitions apply, and there is only one tool needed: his mind. Much to our delight, the unpredictable (even to him) workings of his gray matter have been his primary source of income for more than 50 years. His work (actually his play) epitomizes comedic improvisation. Although there are clips of his black-and-white TV beginnings in the 1950s interspersed throughout, this film is not a retrospective look at the performances of this comic genius. It’s a view into his octogenarian mind, and there is absolutely nothing retro about it.
After returning from military service in the South Pacific during World War II,...
(February 2011)
Directed by: James David Pasternak
Starring: Jonathan Winters
Improvise (im-pre-vize). Verb. “To compose or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation; extemporize.” Or “to make or do with the tools and materials at hand.”
In comedian Jonathan Winters’ case, both definitions apply, and there is only one tool needed: his mind. Much to our delight, the unpredictable (even to him) workings of his gray matter have been his primary source of income for more than 50 years. His work (actually his play) epitomizes comedic improvisation. Although there are clips of his black-and-white TV beginnings in the 1950s interspersed throughout, this film is not a retrospective look at the performances of this comic genius. It’s a view into his octogenarian mind, and there is absolutely nothing retro about it.
After returning from military service in the South Pacific during World War II,...
- 2/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Reviewed by Charlie Trimarco
(February 2011)
Directed by: James David Pasternak
Starring: Jonathan Winters
Improvise (im-pre-vize). Verb. “To compose or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation; extemporize.” Or “to make or do with the tools and materials at hand.”
In comedian Jonathan Winters’ case, both definitions apply, and there is only one tool needed: his mind. Much to our delight, the unpredictable (even to him) workings of his gray matter have been his primary source of income for more than 50 years. His work (actually his play) epitomizes comedic improvisation. Although there are clips of his black-and-white TV beginnings in the 1950s interspersed throughout, this film is not a retrospective look at the performances of this comic genius. It’s a view into his octogenarian mind, and there is absolutely nothing retro about it.
After returning from military service in the South Pacific during World War II,...
(February 2011)
Directed by: James David Pasternak
Starring: Jonathan Winters
Improvise (im-pre-vize). Verb. “To compose or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation; extemporize.” Or “to make or do with the tools and materials at hand.”
In comedian Jonathan Winters’ case, both definitions apply, and there is only one tool needed: his mind. Much to our delight, the unpredictable (even to him) workings of his gray matter have been his primary source of income for more than 50 years. His work (actually his play) epitomizes comedic improvisation. Although there are clips of his black-and-white TV beginnings in the 1950s interspersed throughout, this film is not a retrospective look at the performances of this comic genius. It’s a view into his octogenarian mind, and there is absolutely nothing retro about it.
After returning from military service in the South Pacific during World War II,...
- 2/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Certifiably Jonathan, completed in 2007 but only now receiving a theatrical release, would seem inconsequential under any circumstances, but feels especially threadbare coming on the heels of Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work. Both films explore the existential angst of irreverent comedy legends in the December of their lives and careers. But where A Piece Of Work offers an emotional X-ray of its subject’s complicated, ferocious soul, Certifiably Jonathan reduces comic Jonathan Winters to an adorable old codger whose every quip and ad lib delights director James David Pasternak to no end. Pasternak’s labor of love follows Winters ...
- 2/10/2011
- avclub.com
By Ali Naderzad - December 20, 2010
“Certifiably jonathan” is a comockumentary directed by Jim Pasternak that weaves in and out of the bi-polar world of Jonathan Winters, where reality and fantasy collide. Jonathan Winters, an eighty years-old comic who served as the comedic mentor to scores of comedians including Robin Williams, Jimmy Kimmel and Sara Silverman (who all appear in the film) is also a gifted painter who dreams of having his work shown in the Museum of Modern Art. The filmmakers show his work to a famous art critic who believes Jonathan is "the missing link between Miro and Dali" and he convinces the museum to give Jonathan a show—but only if he paints three new paintings. Jonathan launches into a creative frenzy, but disaster strikes when his favorite painting is stolen along with his sense of humor. Without his humor, Jonathan can't paint and is about to lose the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Certifiably jonathan” is a comockumentary directed by Jim Pasternak that weaves in and out of the bi-polar world of Jonathan Winters, where reality and fantasy collide. Jonathan Winters, an eighty years-old comic who served as the comedic mentor to scores of comedians including Robin Williams, Jimmy Kimmel and Sara Silverman (who all appear in the film) is also a gifted painter who dreams of having his work shown in the Museum of Modern Art. The filmmakers show his work to a famous art critic who believes Jonathan is "the missing link between Miro and Dali" and he convinces the museum to give Jonathan a show—but only if he paints three new paintings. Jonathan launches into a creative frenzy, but disaster strikes when his favorite painting is stolen along with his sense of humor. Without his humor, Jonathan can't paint and is about to lose the opportunity of a lifetime.
- 12/19/2010
- by Screen Comment
- Screen Comment
Jim Pasternak's "Certifiably Jonathan," a look at comedian Jonathan Winters, won the grand jury prize for best feature film at the inaugural edition of the Feel Good Film Festival, which was held Friday through Sunday at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
Michael Berry's "Mira" received both the jury and audience awards as best short film.
Christopher Watson's "The Rainbow Tribe" picked up the audience award for best feature.
The cinematography award went to Jim Orr for his work on Rocco DeVilliers' "The Flyboys."
Noah Edelson's "Hear, Boy!" won the screenplay competition, and Alyssa Suede Campbell won the original song competition for her song, "Falling From Mars."
The student awards went to Philip Hodges' "First Bass" in the 20-21-year old division, and Lisa Kowalski's "The Last Cherry" in the 19-year and under division.
Paul Germain's "Speedy Delivery" earned the IndieFlix Award.
The fest showcased 53 films,...
Michael Berry's "Mira" received both the jury and audience awards as best short film.
Christopher Watson's "The Rainbow Tribe" picked up the audience award for best feature.
The cinematography award went to Jim Orr for his work on Rocco DeVilliers' "The Flyboys."
Noah Edelson's "Hear, Boy!" won the screenplay competition, and Alyssa Suede Campbell won the original song competition for her song, "Falling From Mars."
The student awards went to Philip Hodges' "First Bass" in the 20-21-year old division, and Lisa Kowalski's "The Last Cherry" in the 19-year and under division.
Paul Germain's "Speedy Delivery" earned the IndieFlix Award.
The fest showcased 53 films,...
- 8/25/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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