Mel Brooks: 99 Years Old!
Currently streaming on HBO Max, the documentary about Mel Brooks, now 99, underscores his enduring legacy. It’s hard to argue against his pivotal role in American comedy. Directed by Judd Apatow and Kliph Nesteroff, this two-part retrospective demonstrates that Brooks, even at this age, remains sharp as a tack and still one of the most hilarious figures we have.
Key Points: In just five months, he’ll hit the big 1-0-0. Melvin Kaminsky was born in Brooklyn to Jewish parents, the youngest of four. His father passed away from tuberculosis when Mel was just a child, leaving his tough mother to raise the boys alone. Growing up, Brooks idolized legends like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers—comedians who, as he puts it, brought chaos to humor. He was always “the comedic conscience of the neighborhood,” performing as a drummer first, taught by Buddy Rich, then transitioning to making others laugh. As one critic put it, “When Mel was slapped on the butt by the doctor who delivered him, he thought it was applause.” Perfectly captures his essence. He even joked that half of his interviews were “fake,” which, given the context, feels spot on.
His path seemed to lead to a mundane job in New York’s garment district until World War II intervened, sending him and his brothers to fight the Nazis. The violence he witnessed left him with PTSD, leading him to therapy, and later, to perform in what he called “Army showbiz” to entertain fellow soldiers. After returning, he integrated his wartime experiences into his writing for Sid Caesar’s influential sketch comedy show, a major part of early television. Yet, his first marriage unraveled due, in part, to his unsteady moods—a symptom, perhaps, of lacking a creative outlet. People often described him as someone who “yearned for fame.”
However, when he began working on a comedy with Carl Reiner called “Two Thousand Years of Man,” it not only provided the documentary’s title but also launched Brooks’ career onto the stage. Reiner played the straight man to Brooks’ character, who supposedly knew Jesus long before anyone else. This simple bit helped them reach new heights, though not quite the stratosphere just yet. Working alongside Jerry Lewis, Brooks met Anne Bancroft—his beloved partner for 41 years. Their relationship provided him ample fodder for self-deprecating humor, contrasting his looks against her Hollywood beauty.
In 1965, he created a parody of James Bond films. Though his screenplay won an Oscar, the project itself faced instability. Then came “Blazing Saddles,” a bold satire that pushed boundaries with its humor. While it was controversial, it became a blockbuster and a significant part of popular culture. Following that, he continued to create iconic works like “Young Frankenstein,” “History of the World, Part I,” and “Spaceballs.” He eventually established his own film company, influencing many directors along the way and proving to be a lasting inspiration. This documentary spans four hours, embodying his remarkable journey.
Which Movie Does It Remind You Of? Currently, the only taller celebrity than Brooks is Martin Scorsese, who has a longer retrospective. Other notable documentaries include works on John Candy, and tributes to Gene Wilder. Notably, Apatow has previously treated other comedy legends like George Carlin and Garry Shandling in similar fashion.
Featured Performances: The documentary features various legends like Sarah Silverman, Jerry Seinfeld, and others who share their insights about Brooks. Is there anyone who can compare to him? It’s hard to say.
Sex and Skin: None here.
Our View: The documentary, affectionately titled “99-Year-Old Grandpa!”, presents Brooks with the reverence he deserves, matching Apatow’s admiration for his comedic hero. Yet, it cleverly encourages self-reflection through thoughtful questioning. Brooks shares personal insights that many others might shy away from at his stage in life. Viewers catch glimpses of Brooks at home with family, displaying an insatiable drive to create. He expressed that the comfort of appearing on Sid Caesar’s show was a “trap,” which resonated in his later work. Films like “Blazing Saddles” became a platform for tackling serious social issues through humor, despite early criticism of his approach.
It’s heartening to see Brooks’ role in shaping comedic storytelling recognized—his influence spans decades. Apatow devotes significant attention to Brooks and Bancroft’s marriage as a symbolic partnership, and there are poignant clips featuring their moments together. The documentary captures an honest portrayal of a restless artist who never settled.
Our Call: If I encounter someone uninterested in Mel Brooks, it’s probably best they don’t watch with me. Let’s go streaming!
How to Watch Mel Brooks: 99 Years Old!
New to HBO Max? You can start for as low as $10.99 monthly with ads or $18.49 without. If you want to save, consider the Disney+ bundle that includes Hulu and HBO Max; it’s $19.99 with ads or $32.99 ad-free.
