Watch Ron Jeremy: Life After the Buffet

Ron Jeremy: Life After the Buffet is a 2014 documentary that offers an intimate look into the life of the legendary adult film actor, Ron Jeremy. Directed by two-time Oscar nominee, Scott J. Gill, the film examines Jeremy's personal struggles after his retirement from the pornographic industry and how he deals with living in the shadow of his previous success and his deteriorating health.

The documentary follows Ron Jeremy, affectionately known as "The Hedgehog," as he navigates his life post-retirement, attempting to find new passions and make sense of his legacy. The opening scene is a stark reminder of the documentary's focus as Ron made his way to a hospital appointment, using a cane to help him through the door, undoubtedly weaker than the man who once dominated the porn industry.

As the documentary unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through Jeremy's life story. Starting with his early days growing up in New York, his college education in Queens, and his decision to pursue a career in acting before transitioning to the adult film industry. Throughout his storied career, Jeremy starred in over 2,000 adult films, making him one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. As we see in the documentary, however, Jeremy's career and achievements have come at a significant cost.

The documentary explores a range of issues, including Jeremy's health, finances, fame, and relationships. It delves into the reality of life after the buffet and how Jeremy has adjusted to living a more conventional life. As the documentary progresses, viewers get to see the man behind the screen, the struggles he faces in his personal life, and the consequences of his choices.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the contrast between Jeremy's past and present life. Scenes of him walking down the streets of New York, or being recognized at conventions highlight his fame and popularity while the quieter moments show a man who is trying to find a new way of life. Through interviews with Jeremy's friends, family, and colleagues, viewers get a sense of the impact that his career has had on his life, and the toll it has taken on his mental and physical health.

Amidst this introspection, the documentary provides some humourous moments as well, such as Jeremy's initial reluctance to go on stage during a comedy show, expressing how he would rather showcase other talents than his flair for humor. There is an extraordinary talent he shows for conducting a classical piece and the audience at the event he performs at remains stunned for the entirety of the performance.

Ron Jeremy: Life After the Buffet is a thought-provoking and poignant documentary. It provides an unvarnished look at a man who has lived a remarkable life and is now in the process of making important life-altering decisions. The documentary does an excellent job of humanizing Jeremy, giving a perspective on aspects of his personal life that people don't necessarily see.

Moreover, the documentary highlights the harsh reality of the adult film industry, especially when it comes to the treatment of performers. It exemplifies the grueling work that Ron was subjected to, which precipitated his ailing health, both physically and emotionally. The people around him describe how they worried that he didn't always have his health in mind, putting his work and his fans' expectations ahead of his own wellbeing.

In conclusion, Ron Jeremy: Life After the Buffet leaves viewers with a new perspective on the world of adult film and those who are affected by it. It is a must-watch for people interested in human interest stories, the struggles of the famous and how we come to terms with decisions we make in our lives. The documentary is a poignant reminder that, in the end, we are all human, and despite our achievements, there is always a cost to be paid for our choices.

Ron Jeremy: Life After the Buffet is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.