Believe : the Eddie Izzard Story

Locations
Call Number: DVD 792.7 Be
On Shelf At: Downtown Library

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown 1st Floor 1-week checkout	DVD 792.7 Be	1-week checkout	On Shelf

Release date: Mar. 2, 2010.
DVD release of the 2009 motion picture.
Special features include the 'wolves' sketch, Vince Henderson on street performing and early Eddie, and Teddy Theatre.
Eddie Izzard.
An intimate look inside the life of one of comedy's funniest men. Includes rare footage of Eddie as a child to his performance at Wembley Arena. Includes behind-the-scenes interviews.
DVD; widescreen (1.78:1) presentation; stereo.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Good, but I Believe it could be better submitted by CasualTim on June 19, 2010, 3:38pm "Believe" wavers between being interesting to only Izzardheads and being a much more universal, moving story. Although I enjoyed the movie, Eddie's underdog tale seems readymade as a tear-inducing film of triumph and courage, so I'm a bit disappointed that this isn't a stronger piece.

There is obviously a diagrammed timeline somewhere in the director's notes that drives much of the sequencing, and Townsend sticks to that diagram a little too strictly at times, resulting in a visual list of facts without as much drama as the events might truly warrant. But this is partially made up for in a few ways.

Transitions are quaintly Ken Burns-esque mixed with more magical, whimsical effects and result in a unique method that really appeals to the part of us that polishes and puts a warm filter on our memories. It's not a hugely groundbreaking style, but unique enough to be special, and to continue to build sway with you throughout the pic.

Izzard exactly compliments that visual floatiness with his own quiet imperturbable nature. I don't think Townsend worked hard enough to tug at Izzard's heartstrings, but the times during which he does get there on his own are touching. Perhaps it's that the Izzard who's telling his story is such a quiet, calm man compared to the Izzard of stage, screen, festival, etc. Perhaps it's that the viewer can see how much Izzard is still internalizing, while speaking so casually about his life. But he, too, draws you in with an understated way of addressing some pretty major moments in a life.

Still, the universality that I'm sure could've come out of a life so full of bravery and crappy odds isn't there. I'm not confident that folks who don't know Izzard well would be kept entertained enough to stay on for the whole 103 minutes. Even I checked the running time at one point, surprised by the length compared to the content that had been covered. If you don't know Eddie, check out Dress to Kill instead.

Also suggested for folks like me who've managed to make it to a certain age without having directed their Citizen Kane yet, or for those who are in danger of thinking the cards are stacked against them. Townsend acknowledges, but could've made more of Izzard's long, long struggle with a world telling him he had the wrong idea.

6/10