Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

Directed by Rob Reiner, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life explores the life and times of comedian-turned-filmmaker Albert Brooks – with the movie’s mix of clips and interview footage paving the way for a solid endeavor with few lulls. It’s clear, certainly, that Albert Brooks: Defending My Life‘s biggest asset is its emphasis on Reiner’s various conversations with Brooks himself, as Reiner does a terrific job of walking Brooks through his career origins as a subversive standup right through to his directorial efforts – with the inclusion of rarely-seen clips, particularly during Brooks’ many television appearances, certainly enhancing the compulsively watchable atmosphere. And while Reiner relies a little too heavily on talking-head appearances by various celebrities, some of which feel entirely arbitrary (eg Tiffany Haddish), Albert Brooks: Defending My Life is, for the most part, a satisfying, entertaining documentary that’s sure to delight fans and Brooks neophytes alike.

*** out of ****