Mel Brooks Documentary Features St. Louis Jewish Light Column

HBO’s documentary “Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!” offers an insightful exploration of the iconic filmmaker’s legacy. Directed by Judd Apatow, the film delves into the complexities surrounding Brooks’ humor, particularly as it relates to Jewish culture.

St. Louis Jewish Light Connection

One significant aspect highlighted in the documentary is a critique from the St. Louis Jewish Light. In a July 1, 1981, column by Robert A. Cohn, the then-editor scrutinized Brooks’ film “History of the World, Part I.” This critique took place shortly after the film’s release, a time when Brooks was widely celebrated yet not universally embraced.

Context of the Review

About one hour and six minutes into the documentary, viewers encounter Cohn’s perspective. The film presents Cohn’s words in a deliberate manner, allowing the audience to absorb the discomfort of his critique. This particular article did not outright reject Brooks, rather it acknowledged both the strengths and weaknesses of his comedy.

• Cohn praised Brooks’ famous scene as Moses, where he humorously reduces the number of commandments from 15 to 10.
• He highlighted the segment titled “The Old Testament” as a particularly entertaining moment in the film.
• However, the review also expressed unease over scenes that ventured into darker historical themes, such as “The Spanish Inquisition.”

Complex Reactions to Humor

Cohn’s critique illustrates the tension within the Jewish community regarding the boundaries of humor. While the documentary acknowledges Brooks’ belief that making light of oppressive figures like Nazis diminishes their power, it also underscores the fact that reactions to such humor vary greatly among audiences.

The 1981 column serves as a reminder that Jewish humor has always sparked thoughtful debate. It captures a moment in time when the community grappled with the fine line between comedy and tragedy, showcasing the richness of Jewish discourse.

This exploration of Mel Brooks through the lens of the St. Louis Jewish Light emphasizes the ongoing dialogue about the nature of humor and its impact on cultural identity. The documentary invites viewers to reflect on how laughter can be both a unifying and divisive force.