Watch Get Bruce

Get Bruce is a 1999 documentary film that chronicles the life and career of Bruce Vilanch, a comedy writer that has penned jokes and scripts for some of the most popular entertainers in America. The film is directed by Andrew J. Kuehn and features interviews with Whoopi Goldberg, Bette Midler, Robin Williams, and many other famous comedians. The movie starts with Whoopi Goldberg, who introduces Bruce Vilanch as one of the funniest and most talented comedy writers in Hollywood. She explains how she first met Vilanch when he was working on The Hollywood Squares and how his humor and wit immediately captured her attention. The film then delves into Vilanch's life and career, starting with his early days as a struggling writer in New York City. We learn that Vilanch wrote for numerous comedy shows in the 70s, including The Brady Bunch Variety Hour and Donny & Marie. He also wrote jokes for celebrities like Bette Midler, and was eventually hired as her head writer for her 1980 world tour. The documentary also touches on Vilanch's personal life, including his struggles with weight and self-confidence. Through interviews with Vilanch's friends and family, we get a sense of the challenges he faced as a gay man working in the entertainment industry during the 70s and 80s. Throughout the film, we hear from a number of Vilanch's colleagues and friends, including Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Lily Tomlin. They all sing his praises, highlighting his unique talent for writing jokes that are both funny and insightful. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it showcases Vilanch's writing process. We see him sitting at his desk, surrounded by piles of papers and notes, as he works to craft the perfect joke. He explains how he tries to tap into the unique sensibilities of each performer he writes for, tailoring his jokes to their specific styles and personalities. The documentary also provides some interesting behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of Hollywood entertainment. We see Vilanch interacting with famous stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Sylvester Stallone, and we get a sense of the tight-knit community of comedians and writers that he was a part of. Overall, Get Bruce is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining documentary that sheds light on one of the most talented and influential comedy writers of the last few decades. The interviews with famous comedians like Whoopi Goldberg, Bette Midler, and Robin Williams are a particular highlight, as they offer unique insights into Vilanch's creative process and the impact his writing has had on the world of comedy. Whether you're a fan of Vilanch's work or simply enjoy a good laugh, this film is well worth watching.