Watch For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close

For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a compelling documentary about an enigmatic and influential figure in the world of comedy, Del Close. This film is a tribute to Del Close, who was not only a mentor to famous comedians like Tina Fey, Jon Favreau, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, and so many others but also an inspiration to countless others who have never been in the spotlight.

The movie’s opening scene shows a room full of laughing people, and then we see Andrew Alexander, the producer of Second City, and others talking about how they met Del Close. Then, we hear from Del himself in old audio clips that would make viewers laugh and also be left amazed.

The documentary then goes on to delve into Del’s life with stories from his friends, family, and former students, like Ike Barinholtz, Bernadette Birkett, and Tim Meadows, who share their experiences of working with him. Del Close was a comedian, writer, improv guru, and one of the pioneers of improvisation. He trained at Second City and went on to perform with the Compass Players, which later became The Second City.

The film uncovers Del as a genius who was eccentric, unpredictable, and at times even difficult, but equally endearing, charming, and funny. Del had an insatiable desire to create, understand, and master comedy. The documentary takes us on a journey to understand how Del approached comedy and how he influenced so many famous comedians of our time.

For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is not only a story about Del’s career, but it is also an exploration of his character, his values, his methods, and his teachings. The film shows how his teachings and techniques are still used in improv and sketch comedy to this day. His impact on comedy remained long after his death.

The documentary is beautifully crafted, with a mix of interviews, archival footage, and animations that keep the audience engaged throughout the film. It not only explores Del’s contributions to the art of improv and sketch comedy but also his darker moments, such as his struggles with addiction and depression. These moments are presented in a sensitive and nuanced manner that does not overpower the message of the film.

Overall, For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a tribute to a legend who transformed the world of comedy. It highlights his remarkable life and works, his impact on the world of comedy, and his enduring legacy. For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a must-watch for everyone who loves comedy and wants to know more about the history of improvisation.

For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.