Lenny
1974 · Movie · R · 111 min · ★ 7.3 · 75% critics
Lenny is a biopic of a groundbreaking 1960s comic whose blunt, socially focused stand-up was often labeled too obscene by the establishment. The film alternates between his personal life and his performances as he faces mounting pushback over his fearless use of taboo language.
Based on Lenny
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Details
- Years
- 1974
- Release date
- 1974-11-10
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 75/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (309 votes)
About
You’ll likely like Lenny if you enjoy candid stand-up history and bold social commentary in a stark black-and-white biopic; Not for you if you want light entertainment or more mainstream, crowd-pleasing comedy like Kids or Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool.
Pros: fearless, thought-provoking; memorable black-and-white look; standout performances | Cons: rough for casual viewing; polarizing portrayal; bleak, uncomfortable tone
Themes
- adultery
- husband wife relationship
- court case
- court
- drug addiction
- freedom of speech
- comedian
- civil rights
- biography
- stripper
- unfaithfulness
- social satire
- +4 more
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1975 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 1975 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Director · 1975 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1975 · nominated
Show all 7 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1975 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1975 · nominated
Cast & crew
Dustin Hoffman
as Lenny Bruce
Valerie Perrine
as Honey Bruce
Jan Miner
as Sally Marr
Stanley Beck
as Artie Silver
- FM
Frankie Man
as Baltimore Comic
Rashel Novikoff
as Aunt Mema
Gary Morton
as Sherman Hart
- GR
Guy Rennie
as Jack Goldstein
Michele Yonge
as Nurse
Kathryn Witt
as Girl
Directed by Bob Fosse