Judd Apatow’s new two-part documentary, “George Carlin’s American Dream,” offers a comprehensive, sprawling account of the late comedian’s life — unfolding, in p…
, and a gaggle of fellow comics including Paul Reiser, W. Kamau Bell, Steven Wright, Judy Gold, Robert Klein and Patton Oswalt.Photograph by Courtesy of George
Apatow and Bonfiglio also shine a light on Carlin’s personal life, including his childhood growing up on West 121st Street, and his nearly-forty-year marriage to wife Brenda,“What’s interesting is that he changed [performing] styles five times. He really was like the Madonna of comedy,” Apatow said.
“Their house was very toxic, and a lot of the story is about how they overcame that and found each other again later in life — but there’s a harrowing love story at the center of it.”Carlin’s comedy took a darker turn toward the end of his life, Apatow said.