Aristocrats, The

The Aristocrats

       Think of the dirtiest joke you’ve ever heard. Now, unless the punch line is “the aristocrats”
(or “the debonniares” or “the sophisticates”), you’ve probably NOT actually heard what is
considered the filthiest joke around. Even if you have heard it, your exposure to the joke will be
influenced by whomever is telling it. At least, that’s the case as outlined in the new nonfiction film
THE ARISTOCRATS.

       Comedian Paul Provenza and magician Penn Jillette have teamed to produce this film (directed
by Provenza) which revolves around this joke – a sort of secret handshake among comedians. No
one really knows the origins of it: some claim it dates back to vaudeville, others say it is of more
recent vintage. Whatever the case, I won’t spoil it for viewers who may not have heard it. The film
includes any number of riffs on it and depending on your sense of humor, you’ll either be appalled,
amused or something in between.

       While I was amused to hear the joke the first time, after hearing its various permutations, it
begins to lose something. Also, I think I tend to agree with Whoopi Goldberg who makes the case
that what was once taboo has now almost become mainstream. So much has happened in the world
that something that might have been shocking to our grandparents or parents no longer carries that
burden.

       Still, the “joke” is more of a performance piece with each comedian attempting to spin it in a
manner that would top another. The biggest surprise may be that former TV dad Bob Saget offers
one of the crudest versions of the tale. Equally shocking was that Gilbert Gottfried would resort to
the joke at a televised roast for Hugh Hefner – and knowingly acknowledging that “they’ll have
to clean this up for TV.”

       Perhaps the biggest taboo in the film is that Provenza and Jillette reveal this anecdote to the
general public. Jillette (along with partner Teller) has made a career out of debunking magic tricks.
In a way, that’s exactly what he’s accomplished here: showing the emperor he has no clothes. The
“joke” per se isn’t terribly funny; it’s supposedly in the delivery, but very few of the more than 100
people involved in this movie -- all of whom are noted comics – even skirt something that smacks
of being amusing.

       Humor, as I’ve always been wont to point out, is subjective. I’ve found some films hilarious
which others have claimed are laugh challenged. So, far be it for me to suggest this film isn’t funny.
I’m sure there will be many who will find it a non-stop laugh riot. I only was mildly amused for some
of its 92-minute running time, but I would recommend sticking around through the end credits for
some additional footage.

                             Rating:                     C+
                             MPAA Rating:        NONE (language)
                             Running time:          92 mins.

                                     Viewed at the Broadway Screening Room