The Aristocrats BANNED By AMC Theatres!

Those of you that have been faithfully reading my blog for some time now (both of you) know that I have been eagerly awaiting the release of "The Aristocrats", a documentary film by fellow Ringling Bros. Clown College graduate, Penn Jillette and veteran comedian Paul Provenza.

If you need a refresher course, check these past posts from Andy Land. Here & Here. There is also a reprint of a Chicago Tribune article HERE.

The film was a huge success at the Sundance Film Festival and has been touted by many of the world's most respected critics as one of the funniest films ever made. None of this comes as a surprise to me because the subject of the film is a single joke.

This joke, told by virtually every comedian that has ever graced a stage (myself included), is arguably the most disgusting, vulgar, and utterly vile jokes ever written. The punch line of the joke (sometimes known as "The Sophisticates" , is represented in the title of the film. Don't worry. Knowing the punch line doesn't really ruin the joke at all. Just one more reason why this would be a fascinating movie.

Normally this joke is only told to other performers and is not used for the stage. It is known throughout the show business community and told as something of calling card for the comics and performers. Your version of the joke may tell a lot to other comedians about your ability and style. No matter where it is told and how it is delivered, the prospect of an entire documentary film being made about a dirty joke and how comedians interpret and perform it is simply genius in concept.

As it happens, AMC Theatres is backing out of it's agreement to run the movie in two major markets, Chicago included. The film, scheduled for an August release, was banned from the theatre chain, citing the subject matter may have too limited an appeal to warrant being shown on too many screens and wouldn't make enough money. In reality, they're afraid of offending people.

In defense of "The Aristocrats" I must make mention of the fact that in the past, AMC theatres ran the John Waters, NC-17 rated sexploitation/exploration comedy, "A Dirty Shame" just last year. That particular film featured references to virtually EVERY fetish known to man and was not shy in explaining what many of them were (How many references to "blossoms" and "golden showers" do you need to have limited appeal, AMC?).

AMC also ran all three of the "American Pie" films, which featured an adolescent male having sex with an apple pie, consumption of urine & fecal matter, lesbians, and a large number of musical instruments being inserted into various orifices.

I seem to recall, "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" , being in many an AMC theatre last year. That film features Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) sniffing cocaine off of the ass of a naked stripper, and the line "Shotgun anus" (Just watch the film. You'll get the joke.) among other fairly lewd acts.

I even recall a very controversial documentary by Michael Moore making millions on screens across the country, including AMC screens. Surely "Fahrenheit 911" had "limited appeal". I mean, half the country hated the film, right?

All of these films were rather hysterical and very popular among the movie-going populace. Those that didn't want to watch such things simply didn't go to the theatre. I'm being denied my choice to see or not see "The Aristocrats" because AMC is afraid of complaints and unwilling to honor their contracts. Too limited an appeal indeed!

Let me ask you this, AMC, do you think a movie poster boasting a cast like this would have a large appeal if the subject matter were somehow different? I'll list a few of the cast members here in case you don't feel like reading the linked IMDB listing.

Jason Alexander,Hank Azaria,Shelley Berman,Lewis Black,David Brenner,Drew Carey, George Carlin,Billy Connolly,Tim Conway,Andy Dick,Phyllis Diller,Carrie Fisher,Whoopi Goldberg,Gilbert Gottfried,Eric Idle,Eddie Izzard,Richard Jeni,Penn Jillette,Richard Lewis,Bill Maher,Howie Mandel,Michael McKean,Martin Mull,Kevin Nealon,Trey Parker,Kevin Pollak,Paul Reiser,Don Rickles,Chris Rock,Rita Rudner,Bob Saget,Harry Shearer,Dick Smothers,Tom Smothers,David Steinberg,Matt Stone,Rip Taylor,Teller,Fred Willard,Robin Williams, & Steven Wright

Last time I checked, many of those people were responsible for untold BILLIONS of dollars in box office sales, TV ratings, best-selling books, CD & album sales, and have won countless Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, & Tony Awards. Your argument doesn't stand up to this stand-up's scrutiny AMC.

Stop hiding behind mumbo-jumbo and just admit that you're too afraid to show a great film because of worries about angry letters. By the way, the F.C.C. cannot fine you for running the film on your screens. Just thought you'd like to know that.

Anyway, if any of you would like to see this film in theatres, feel free to send AMC an e-mail and voice your opinion. Regardless of if you like dirty jokes or not, this does look a little bit like a free speech issue to me (if you want to get all political, I mean). More importantly, it is just silly to think that a film that clearly would put a few paying asses in their seats would be hidden away for fear of offending a few people. It is 2005 for fuck's sake! The poster even says, in big bold letters, "No Nudity. No Violence. Unspeakable Obscenity." I think most people can figure it out before buying their ticket.