In the crowded landscape of contemporary comedy, few figures cast as long a shadow as Mel Brooks. Now, a new documentary helmed by acclaimed director Judd Apatow dives deep into the life and enduring impact of this comedic titan, solidifying his status as, perhaps, the funniest person of all time.
The documentary, titled "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man," which streams this week on HBO Max, features Apatow, himself a celebrated director of comedy classics like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," engaging in an intimate exploration of Brooks' origin story. Apatow, who has previously directed documentaries on idols like George Carlin and Garry Shandling, views Brooks as a foundational influence.
The Inspiration Behind the Laughter
Speaking with Tracy Smith on "CBS News Sunday Morning," Apatow didn't mince words about Brooks' significance. "Mel is the reason why most of us went into comedy," Apatow stated. For Apatow, who grew up during the era when Brooks’ most iconic films were released, the image of the "hilarious, tiny Jewish man who was really loud and brash and confident" defined the aspirational path of a comedic artist.
Co-directed by Michael Bonfiglio, the documentary moves beyond the punchlines to uncover the surprisingly personal journey of the Brooklyn native. It details a childhood shaped by struggle, including being raised by a single mother whose four sons were called to war. This early exposure to conflict profoundly shaped Brooks' subsequent artistic output.
From War Zone to Satirical Weapon
One of the most revealing segments of the documentary touches upon Brooks' own service in the 1104th Engineer Combat Battalion in France following the German withdrawal. Brooks recounts the grim reality of his job: sweeping for booby traps left by retreating forces. When Apatow asked if he ever feared death, Brooks’ response was stark: "Only every second of every day."
This harrowing experience, Apatow suggests, fueled Brooks’ lifelong, relentless campaign against Nazism through satire. Films like "The Producers" and "To Be or Not to Be" weren't just jokes; they were acts of defiance. Apatow posits that lampooning the horrific ideology was a way to keep its threat in the public consciousness.
"The fear that it was gonna happen again. And then if you don't keep pointing out how horrifying this is, then it can, you know, slowly bubble back up, which is something we see right now," Apatow noted regarding Brooks' consistent targeting of Nazis.
A Landmark Year of Daring Comedy
The documentary highlights 1974 as a pivotal moment in cinematic history, when Brooks released two cultural juggernauts in quick succession: the subversive Western comedy "Blazing Saddles" and the beloved homage, "Young Frankenstein."
"Blazing Saddles," which dared to tackle racism head-on in a small, prejudiced town through the eyes of a Black sheriff, was met with critical division but enormous commercial success. Apatow suggests that the immediate follow-up was a strategic masterstroke. "He just became Beyoncé for a little while," Apatow joked, acknowledging the sheer velocity of his success.
The prevailing theory discussed is that Brooks, aware of the daring nature of "Blazing Saddles," ensured he had another massive hit ready. This was a safeguard against potential backlash: if the industry turned on him for one film, he already had another to prove his comedic bona fides.
Beyond the Laugh Track
While Brooks is synonymous with outrageous, boundary-pushing comedy, the film also touches upon his contributions as a producer to more serious works. Notably, his support for David Lynch's early, challenging material demonstrates a deeper commitment to artistic expression than often assumed.
This comprehensive look at Mel Brooks reveals a man whose humor was forged in the crucible of war and tempered by a deep understanding of societal taboos. For viewers seeking the roots of modern American comedy, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man" offers an essential, personal, and often hilarious masterclass from the master himself. The collaboration between Apatow and Brooks proves that even legends have compelling untold stories waiting to be unearthed.