The Life and Death of the Comedian's Guru Israel today

On Saturday, yes, HOT and Cellcom TV will air HBO's new documentary, "George Carlin's American Dream."

Carlin, who died in 2008, is considered one of the most influential American comedians of all time and a pioneer in his satirical interpretation of burning US politics and society.

Carlin's career gained momentum towards the end of the 1960s, and his political stance against the Vietnam War positioned him as a comedian who was not afraid to touch the sacred cows of the American nation.

Later in his career he made a comeback with a series of TV specials, thanks to which the younger generation got to know his stand-up style.

For many comedians, Carlin was a legend in his life: he made history with an unprecedented number of 14 of his specials aired on HBO.

He has also been a guest on the popular Tonight Show with Johnny Carson 130 times, and was also the first star to direct the premiere episode of the Saturday Night Live sketch show when it aired in 1975.

The film about Carlin is spread over two parts, and includes a variety of archive footage and interviews with leading comedic characters, including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, John Stewart and Stephen Colbert, who tell the story of the late comedian and stand-up comedian.

The film was directed by Judd Apatow, one of the most successful directors and producers in the field of comedy in recent years, in collaboration with director Michael Bonfilio.

Apatow, who four years ago also directed a documentary about the late comedian Gary Chandling ("The Larry Sanders Show"), is known for signing successful cinematic comedies like "40-Year-Old Virgin," "The Date That Stuck Me" and "Walking Disaster."

He has also produced films such as "Bachelorette Party" and "Take It Like a Man" and Lina Dunham's "Girls" series.

In an online panel promoting the film about Carlin, Apatow said: "One of the reasons that led to this film is that old stand-up clips of Carlin began to reappear on Twitter. Which are now in the headlines. He actually watched those decades back. That's why he's considered a lift comedian to this day. He has set a standard for many of us, and I know of many in the industry who aspire to reach his level. "It's a scary thought that can easily send you hiding under a blanket."

Judd Apatow, Photo: AFP

According to Apatow, he first met Carlin when he was a teenager who dreamed of engaging in comedy.

“I was a junior production assistant at age 18 in an HBO comedy special that included a lot of artists,” he recounted.

"My job was to sign all the stars who participated on the poster of the event."

He added that "I think Carlin represents a lot of lost comedic characteristics, because the new generation focuses on self-occupation and sharing personal experiences. Give them a microphone, and they will chat on podcasts for hours on end. It's an intimate and modern approach I enjoy, but it's different from what Carlin represented." .

Were we wrong?

Fixed!

If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us