Eddie Izzard: Circle (2002) (V)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Anastasia Pappas

Writer:

Eddie Izzard (writer)

Release Date:

18 November 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Documentary

Plot:

Town Hall, New York City, 26 June 2000. An evening with Eddie Izzard in which he moves back and forth in time...

Plot Keywords:

Olympics | Monkey | Renaissance | Gun | New York

Cast

Eddie Izzard

...

Himself

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | UK:15

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Ella Communications Ltd.

Trivia:

During the taping, there was a failure in the sound system at the theater, resulting in a 25-minute delay while it was repaired.

Quotes:

Eddie: [about Jesus] Christianity is his best film. That's where he was the 'Son of God'. Starring Jesus as the 'Son of God', where he said that famous line "Take your hands off her, you bitch!"

Movie Connections:

References Planet of the Apes (1968)

Not Eddie's best but still a gem

I can understand why die-hard Eddie fans are disappointed with "Circle" because it really isn't as fall-off-the-sofa-my-jaw-aches-omigawd-I-can't-breathe-for-laughing hilarious as the likes of "Dress to Kill" and "Glorious". However, there's still a good deal of intelligent and extremely funny observation going on here and, like all of his stand-up before it, it's worth it 'cause it's Eddie and a true fan doesn't need anymore than that as a guarantee. But even those not familiar with humour of the Izzardeque variety should find plenty to amuse them on this show. The signing with chimps ("gimme a f***ing banana"), monkeys with guns and Darth Vader trying to order penne arrabiata in the Death Star canteen are truly hilarious and just what we expect from our hero. Yes, there are some re-hashed lines but the same could be said for most stand-up comedians and besides, this was released over two years after it was filmed so there's bound to be stuff that we've heard before but seemed a lot fresher at the time.

I agree with those who recommend that Izzard novices start out on the true path of comedy righteousness with "Dress to Kill", "Glorious" or "Unrepeateable" but if you've seen them and not "Circle" please don't pass it by because you've heard that it's no good. There's plenty in there to make you utter many a hearty titter and more than a few mighty chuckles and like a lot of Eddie's stuff it gets funnier with repeated viewings.