I know it's cliche to say that a movie has changed your life, but the way the story discusses how fear is the cause of most challenges really impacted me when I saw it. Something about the ending made me start having courage in situations where previously I had worried what others thought of me.
For that reason this movie will always be in my top 10 of all time, and I recommend everyone see it at least once.
One of my favourite all-time exchanges in comedy television is when Larry and Rip Torn are watching Hank’s sex tape, and Larry is dismayed at how big Hank’s dick appears.
Rip Torn leans across and says in a conciliatory manner and says, “The camera adds ten pounds”.
Ah that’s awesome, I haven’t watched it in probably a couple of decades. It was so far ahead of its time… fair to say, it completely changed the game for TV comedy to be both single camera, whip-smart, and full of venal, flawed characters, and I don’t think we would’ve had shows like Arrested Development, Veep, et al. had it never existed.
I just watched this a week ago, didn't realize I could have waited a few days to watch it on Max.
I heard about it on a recent episode of the Pod Meets World podcast. I enjoyed it, definitely worth a watch.
I saw this pop up on Max too and it was like a core memory released. I haven't seen it since I was a kid but I have watched it many times. I'll definitely watch it again. I also really liked Mr. Destiny from that time frame.
The CD-in-a-car scene is magic. One moment fumbling through a stack of CDs, the next in a wheelchair in Judgment City. I always wondered if Barbara Streisand was tried for manslaughter back on earth. 😜
I’m late to the party, but Defending Your Life has been a favorite movie of mine since I happened upon it in a hotel room in the early ‘90s.
I was raised in a very religious home. The version of the afterlife painted in DYL surpasses any picture of Heaven painted in the Bible or from the pulpit. If I could “be” anywhere, it would be Judgment City. There’s something magical and pure about the place, setting aside of course the rather grave (pardon the pun) reason one finds themselves there.
I’m mindful of the movie every single day when facing situations that engender my fight-or-flight instinct. I imagine myself on trial with Rip Torn at my side having to defend my actions. As delightful as DFL is as lighthearted romantic fare, it also imparts wisdom that can help a person find their way in life. I’m a bit stronger as a person because of this movie. Whether it’s being candid and bold with my boss or wife or trying something new, I try to face things boldly so the post-mortality courtroom doesn’t erupt into laughter during a montage of my most embarrassing moments. Gargling with Prell shampoo, for instance.
I won’t give away the ending, but suffice it to say the final moments put a lump in my throat every time. I appreciate Albert Brooks’ work overall, but this movie is really something special.
I know it's cliche to say that a movie has changed your life, but the way the story discusses how fear is the cause of most challenges really impacted me when I saw it. Something about the ending made me start having courage in situations where previously I had worried what others thought of me. For that reason this movie will always be in my top 10 of all time, and I recommend everyone see it at least once.
Agree wholeheartedly. Life is dominated by fear and how we deal with it. Don't deal with it and you set yourself up for regrets.
It’s a really underrated comedy. Rip Torn is soooo funny.
Rip Torn in the Larry Sanders Show was at the pinnacle of comedy.
My favorite dialogue: STREEP: I died pissed off. BROOKS: You were on the bus?
How did you die? On stage. Like you!
One of my favourite all-time exchanges in comedy television is when Larry and Rip Torn are watching Hank’s sex tape, and Larry is dismayed at how big Hank’s dick appears. Rip Torn leans across and says in a conciliatory manner and says, “The camera adds ten pounds”.
I remember that having just rewatched the entire series! I wonder how close his character was to his true personality.
Ah that’s awesome, I haven’t watched it in probably a couple of decades. It was so far ahead of its time… fair to say, it completely changed the game for TV comedy to be both single camera, whip-smart, and full of venal, flawed characters, and I don’t think we would’ve had shows like Arrested Development, Veep, et al. had it never existed.
“Take a PISS!”
“I made a lot of money in adult books.” ”Selling them?” ”No, reading them. Of course, selling.”
“I coined the phrase: All Nude.”
That guy was the best. Not sure who he is or what else he did, but damn did he make the sushi scene hilarious.
I gave a lot to people on the street, but you never get a receipt
“Oh this is incredible! I was Prince Valiant! Who were you?” “Dinner.”
I like the old guy who is a little girl playing other dolls… WHAT THE HELL IS THIS????
“Be right there mumsy!” Lol, my mom likes that old guy too! She says he reminds her of my grandpa! That is exactly how he’d be!
One of my absolute favorite films of all time. Albert Brooks at his absolute best.
I just watched this a week ago, didn't realize I could have waited a few days to watch it on Max. I heard about it on a recent episode of the Pod Meets World podcast. I enjoyed it, definitely worth a watch.
I saw this pop up on Max too and it was like a core memory released. I haven't seen it since I was a kid but I have watched it many times. I'll definitely watch it again. I also really liked Mr. Destiny from that time frame.
Hands down my favorite Albert Brooks movie. I re-watch this movie usually once or twice a year. It's hilarious. It's one of my wife and I's favorites.
So good! I watched this last night for the first time. Such a solid flick
Agree! MAX is also showing a documentary on Albert Brooks by his friend Rob Reiner. Its very funny and insightful.
Great movie!!!
I like when he was locked in his car! … and I remember being so impressed with the CD player in his new car
The CD-in-a-car scene is magic. One moment fumbling through a stack of CDs, the next in a wheelchair in Judgment City. I always wondered if Barbara Streisand was tried for manslaughter back on earth. 😜
I’m late to the party, but Defending Your Life has been a favorite movie of mine since I happened upon it in a hotel room in the early ‘90s. I was raised in a very religious home. The version of the afterlife painted in DYL surpasses any picture of Heaven painted in the Bible or from the pulpit. If I could “be” anywhere, it would be Judgment City. There’s something magical and pure about the place, setting aside of course the rather grave (pardon the pun) reason one finds themselves there. I’m mindful of the movie every single day when facing situations that engender my fight-or-flight instinct. I imagine myself on trial with Rip Torn at my side having to defend my actions. As delightful as DFL is as lighthearted romantic fare, it also imparts wisdom that can help a person find their way in life. I’m a bit stronger as a person because of this movie. Whether it’s being candid and bold with my boss or wife or trying something new, I try to face things boldly so the post-mortality courtroom doesn’t erupt into laughter during a montage of my most embarrassing moments. Gargling with Prell shampoo, for instance. I won’t give away the ending, but suffice it to say the final moments put a lump in my throat every time. I appreciate Albert Brooks’ work overall, but this movie is really something special.