For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Del Close, a legend of the comedy world. Close is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern comedy, having served as a mentor to countless performers, writers, and directors.
The film follows Close as he attempts to write his autobiography for DC Comics. Along the way, he reflects on his storied career and shares anecdotes from his wild, tumultuous life. We learn about his early days in the Chicago improv scene, where he worked alongside luminaries like Mike Nichols and Elaine May. We also hear from many of the famous comedians who were inspired by him, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.
But For Madmen Only is not just a celebration of Close's achievements. It's also a darkly funny look at the man himself, who was known for his eccentricities and sometimes self-destructive behavior. Close was a heavy drug user and deeply flawed human being, and the film doesn't shy away from showing us that side of him. But it's also clear that his brilliance, both as a performer and as a teacher, was undeniable.
Throughout the film, we see snippets of Close's legendary teaching sessions, where he would push his students to their absolute limit in order to coax out their best work. He was a tough, demanding teacher, and many of his students credit him with helping them achieve greatness. It's a testament to his talent that so many comedy legends speak of him with such reverence.
For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close is a fascinating look at one of the most fascinating figures in modern comedy. It's a funny, poignant, and sometimes heartbreaking portrait of a man who dedicated his life to making people laugh, even as he struggled with his own demons.