Heckler: The Movie - September 4, 2007
In September, 2005, a couple months after the release of Son of the Mask, director Mike Addis and I set out to shoot a documentary about hecklers. We toured the country for months, shooting shows, and interviewing comics. As we were on the road, Addis pointed out that, coincidentally, we were going through some of the towns in which some of the most spiteful critics of the movie were living. Being a masochist, I decided I wanted to interview those guys. They sort of fit in with the idea of the documentary, because, in one sense of the word, they WERE hecklers. Isn't that what a lot of critics are? They were not just critiquing the movie, they were critiquing my career, my life, my face. There are obviously good critics out there, but there are also a lot of guys that really are hecklers...just in a written medium. It seemed that comparing critics to hecklers would be a kind of interesting sociological experiment.
Heckling is nothing new--it existed in Shakespearean theater, Vaudeville, Milton Berle's act, The Muppet Show. It's been around forever. Stand-up comedians are trained to deal with hecklers. I've become pretty good at dealing with hecklers in a live environment and found it isn't that hard to shut up and/or humiliate those who attack me. But the heckling phenomenon has taken a new shape with the advent of the Internet. Twenty years ago, there were only a handful of critics writing for papers. Now there are literally thousands...blogging and writing on websites especially. Today, when that same comedian makes a movie, he's attacked on all sides for that work--on the Internet, in papers, on the radio and TV--and he has no recourse. What we found really amazing was the degree of resentment and anger toward those trying to make people laugh (especially if they were getting paid well for it). Sites like "Aint It Cool News," "Hollywood Bitchslap," "Rotten Tomatoes," "WaffleMovie.com" all just try to outsnark each other. They even have AWARDS for movies that are the most poorly received.
Nearly a year into our filming, we got really lucky. Barbra Streisand got heckled and told the heckler to "shut the fuck up." Vice-President Cheney was visiting an area hit by Katrina and an audience member heckled him, yelling "Go fuck yourself, Mr. Cheney" (at least the heckler had enough respect to call him "Mister"). But the biggie that fell into our laps was the Michael Richard's meltdown. Here was a guy more experienced as a sketch comedy/sitcom actor than as a stand-up comic. He was not at all equipped to deal with voluntary or involuntary audience participation, and his run-in with a couple of hecklers is now YouTube history.
Another thing we wanted to make clear is the fact that this film was not going to be a pity party for comics. The problem is not so much that performers get their feelings hurt. No shit. The problem is that the anger, the vitriol, the petty jealousy and gossip trivialize lives on both sides. The moment you decide you want to be a heckler or let a heckler truly affect you is when you lose. But the same can be said of dealing with critics...you let them affect you and you lose again.
Part of putting yourself out there is accepting that your message may meet resistance. Nowadays, politicians are so heckler-phobic they fill the room with planted fans and friends just so no one even asks a negative question. It's called astroturfing, and it kind of defeats the purpose of live performance.
So we focused on the never-ending twisted symbiotic relationship between the heckler/critic and the performer. I don't try to make myself look misunderstood or better than the heckler or critic, I'm just trying to understand the nature of these relationships. So unlike Michael Moore (who we like quite a bit), we had no preconceived notions going in. We really did want to understand this world and build the resulting journey into a movie. And we didn't edit out the people who trash me (and they do trash me hard). I featured them almost more than anybody.
So without further adieu, here's the trailer for Heckler. I hope you like it.
Posted by Jamie Kennedy at 8:36 AM
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Comments
Fuckin Bravo... That looks like a GREAT fuckin movie. And you even managed to make Louie Anderson sound funny... (Kidding...) I look forward to seeing it, hopefully on the big screen, but I live in a place so far into east bumfuck, the only thing that beats out the collective number of braincells of the population is the number of teeth... (Can you say rural kids? R-U-R-A-L)
Here's to your continued success Jamie.
Damien Brown
East Bumfuck, Maine
Posted by: Damien at September 4, 2007 09:47 AM
Hi Jamie,
Your new movie looks interesting. I'll definitely go check it out when it's in theaters. I absolutely love it when a heckler gets shot the fuck down by a great comeback from a comic, it's hilarious!
Posted by: Jordan at September 4, 2007 10:06 AM
Looks pretty good. I see that you are going to bring some hecklers down to your level, but are you going to show many scenes of the heckled not dealing with it in a socially unacceptable manner(freaking the fuck out)?
Posted by: Jacob at September 4, 2007 10:58 AM
Fantastic. This is definitely a movie I'd go and see. There's nothing quite like watching a heckler get pwn3d by the comic. Whenever I think of hecklers, I think of Bill Hick's rant against a woman who had the grave misfortune of getting a bit too drunk and shooting her mouth off. It's funny how the crowd is laughing at first but eventually all you hear is nervous laughs from a few people. Classic.
Posted by: Catalystika at September 4, 2007 01:03 PM
Heckler: the movie, in theaters 2007, and your local video store a week later. Heehee, jus' playin'. I'll catch it on DVD when it comes out. Not a fan of watchin' documentaries on the giant theater screens, no offense.
Posted by: Captain Canada at September 4, 2007 01:22 PM
Great article, great trailer! I gotta see that movie whenever it's out.
Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at September 4, 2007 02:54 PM
Fuck yeah Jamie. Can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Mister White at September 4, 2007 03:02 PM
Hey,
Well, I never paid to go see any of your movies in theatres ever because they weren't my type of movies and just didn't interest me, but this one really does. After reading your blog for the last little bit, I also think you are the perfect guy to do it because of you have a good head on your shoulders but have also had a few bombs in 'the business'.
Anyways, just wanted to let you know you can count on my 10 bucks for this one.
Posted by: Alex at September 4, 2007 04:19 PM
Saw the trailer for Heckler. I usually try to stay away from most documentaries, because they're so strongly biased it's hard to keep an objective mind until the end of the film...but this one was the first trailer for a documentary that made me laugh out loud.
I've been to a lot of comedy clubs where some obviously new kid gets up, nervous as hell, and starts going through what seems to be a pretty good routine, getting a few chuckles here and there, and then BAM- some drunk asshole starts heckling the shit out of him and the kid gets flustered and lets the heckler get the best of him. Granted, the audience starts booing and heckling the heckler until security kicks him out, but the kid's act is fucked. He can't maintain composure. He can barely remember the last thing he said before "GET OFF THE STAGE, YA BUM!" I feel for stand-up comedians.
Big fan, first time poster. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your posts.
Posted by: steve at September 4, 2007 09:52 PM
There are two kinds of dumb people. The first kind runs around doing dumb shit. The second kind does dumb shit at my job. The first kind I can ignore, the second kind I'm forced to deal with. Internet critics are the first kind of dumb and live hecklers are the second.
Looking forward to seeing the doc, please post release details on here.
Posted by: Troy at September 4, 2007 10:02 PM
Hell ya Jamie! I can't wait for that shit!
Posted by: Reno Juggalo at September 4, 2007 11:03 PM
I have to say, this looks like one hell of an awesome film!
Please tell me you have the Bill Hicks meltdown in there somewhere...
Posted by: Nathan at September 4, 2007 11:17 PM
Hey man, this looks really good. I hope it does well for you. I will definitely see it if it plays in my small ass town.
Posted by: Blaine T at September 5, 2007 05:59 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing this... personally I think you're entertaining and I'm looking forward to the furious posts from several of these lovely "critics" on their websites after you embarrass them on screen. I have a sneaking suspicion most of these people wouldn't have had nearly the biting commentary they made on their blogs if they'd been force to come up with it on the spot instead of having a few days to edit it to the point of complete douchebaggery.
Posted by: Julene at September 5, 2007 03:15 PM
This looks like a dope ass project.
Fuck the haters. I always love it when a comedian smacks down a heckler. the people that respect you are still out here, we just dont talk as much as the douchebags (as Rogan so eloquently put it.)
Posted by: robert at September 5, 2007 06:42 PM
That looks really great, can't wait to see it. Was that opening scene in Saskatoon, SK? I loved the comeback on that one.
Posted by: LyleLovett at September 5, 2007 06:45 PM
Put out a story, maybe a movie diary and then BAM! We get smoked with a PLUG.
So bold Kennedy, so very very bold.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 6, 2007 08:03 AM
You made a shitty movie get over it.
Posted by: Jay at September 6, 2007 10:33 AM
Jamie, this looks great! I think it's a new perspective on the monster that is the mass media now, and it looks funny as hell. Love your blog and you should post more... but I know you got shit to do!
Posted by: Tracy at September 6, 2007 12:15 PM
You sir...are the man.
Posted by: Wayland at September 7, 2007 02:13 AM
I remember watching malibu's most wanted and an hour in the gangsters suggested shooting you in the head and I thought to myself "that would be a great ending". However, this website has changed my opinion of you and I think the trailer looks phenominal.
Posted by: Rob at September 7, 2007 07:04 AM
Hey Jamie,
Loved the trailer. To make a movie that attacks the critics is something I never thought would happen.
Respect.
Can't wait till it comes out.
V
Posted by: ***V*** at September 7, 2007 10:36 AM
I Fucking LOVE YOU! And I Am Excited To See Heckler.
Posted by: Jessica at September 8, 2007 08:26 PM
Looks like a good movie :) Definitly liked the Trailer.
Hope it comes to Austria but I guess it won´t..
Posted by: Manuel at September 9, 2007 07:15 AM
Jamie,
I think you've hit on something great with Heckler. Both my parents are writers and even though they are rational and forgiving people, sometimes they comment on critics. The trailer looks great.
I am curious however, on something. The critics shown in the trailer seem to be stereotypical losers. Meaning, no luck with women, they are fat, ugly, etc. Did you interview legitimate critics? People like Robert Ebert for example?
Posted by: Nile Corso at September 9, 2007 02:23 PM
Looks good man, something realistic thats a good idea for a change. My 2 cents is that hecklers are the ultimate test if the comic's got it. Telling a story is one thing, but being able to rattle off one liners and comebacks on the spot proves you've got wit.
Posted by: excelprisoncell at September 9, 2007 06:36 PM
Looks great bro. You always have to look past those who try to belittle you because they're just jealous of you, and pissed that they have no talent to do anything in life but just that.
Posted by: Brandon at September 10, 2007 12:04 PM
This has potential. Great idea, just depends on how the finished product loks compared to the initial idea. Could be very cool.
Posted by: shawn at September 10, 2007 12:51 PM
This film actually seems pretty fucking intriguing. I would NEVER waste time watching Kickin It Old School, but I would probably watch this fucker in the theatre. Props.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2007 03:39 PM
Hilarious idea!
Posted by: LilaChicaD
at September 10, 2007 05:12 PM
Looks good actually. Better than your other movies. 8^o
Posted by: Damion at September 10, 2007 05:30 PM
That looks really interesting. Hardly anyone considers the fact that performers are people with feelings, too. "Oh, they're used to it." It's about time someone gave them a way to express how they feel.
I saw Son of the Mask the whole way through a few days ago. I'm really sorry. It wasn't bad because of *you*. You're still really cute.
Posted by: T at September 10, 2007 08:59 PM
Nicely intro'd. I think this should definitely be the DVD liner notes.
I also insist I am in the "deleted scenes."
Posted by: billdawes at September 10, 2007 11:03 PM
now this looks like something worth watching. it's always fun to try and understand the nature of those who always just have to take the shit out of other people. what i really don't understand tho. is why they pay the entrance fee to come see a show. and instead of enjoying it they just decide. hey lets take the piss out of this guy and see how he reacts.
And i gotta say i kinda agree with louie anderson, how about going out and shooting a heckler. that way the others will think twice about doing it again :)
Posted by: Gegnar at September 11, 2007 02:49 AM
did u ever talk to joe rogan by any chance...he's always had an interesting stance on hecklers...sound like a cool movie...
Posted by: dice at September 11, 2007 04:18 PM
GOOD LUCK! Looks badass
Posted by: Anonymous at September 11, 2007 05:00 PM
People heckle YOU for a reason Mr.Kennedy.
Posted by: Dave at September 11, 2007 07:55 PM
that's fucking fabulous... what's better is the video I just watched that I pulled up on a related search on youtube of you busting some "server bitch"
Serve deez nutz!
Nicely done. Enjoy the blog. Keep at it.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 12, 2007 10:16 AM
I would TOTALLY watch that movie.
Posted by: Blank at September 12, 2007 11:26 AM
I'll see it.
Posted by: Anonymous at September 12, 2007 09:36 PM
I don't know much of your movie career -- it's not any dislike, you just tend to star in stuff that doesn't catch my eye -- but I've never had a problem with your work.
I'm honestly looking forward to seeing people who do have a problem with you (and other celebrities) get put in their place, just because no one else has ever done a project like this.
"Coming 2007." Sooner or later?
Posted by: Brad at September 13, 2007 09:19 AM
I have 7 problems....and you're 5 of them!
-Dane Cook, on hecklers
Posted by: Anonymous at September 14, 2007 11:42 AM
YES! Looks like a home run film! You are my idol and the reason I wanna become a comedian/actor...some people just don't know an awesome thing when they see it. Looks like an amazing movie, just as all your other movies are. Mad Love!
peace.
becky.
Oh and parachute pants ARE timeless!
Posted by: Becky at September 18, 2007 04:21 PM
Saw your Activision Spoof video this past week. I really liked. Nice exchange with Stan Lee, and some quality frolicking with Slash
Posted by: Jake at September 28, 2007 11:29 PM
Jamie, I want to see your trailer but it's been deleted (probably already know that). So I went to the hecklermovie.com website to see the trailer there although it only loads a third of the way through. What's the deal?
Posted by: Eddy at October 13, 2007 12:37 AM
I was hoping for a son of the mask sequel but instead you're working on this garbage?
Posted by: Anonymous at October 15, 2007 10:32 AM
can't wait to see this - especially since you won't be editing out the confrontations - ever since I've read this (http://www.giantmag.com/2006/10/tv/i-killed-kennedy/) I've been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see on film that which thus far I've only been able to enjoy in print:
* I recently wrote an article saying Jamie Kennedy's rap album was so bad it was more offensive to African-American culture than slavery. In the article I also said he was "a horrible comic and actor" and a "rapebaby."
* Last Thursday, Jamie ambushed me at the G4 TV studios to put the footage in his upcoming documentary film about hecklers and critics.
* I explained to Jamie why I think he is a no-talent hack, citing several specific examples.
* Jamie called me a "fag," "homo," and, creatively, "queer."
* Jamie went on G4's Attack of the Show, again mentioning that I called him a "rapebaby," and invited me on the air to continue laughing at him (see below or click here for video of the appearance).
* Jamie continued to interview me after the segment, again calling me "gay," "homo," and "queer," and tried to make fun of my health insurance plan.
* Jamie asked me if I thought he was good looking.
* Jamie asked me if I thought he had nice eyes.
* Jamie asked if I had a girlfriend.
* Jamie then hunted down my girlfriend and asked her what my cum tastes like.
* Jamie climbed onto a ledge outside G4, screaming that I'm "queer," "a homo" and, "a fag" as G4 TV employees and executives stared in amazement, until his PR person hauled him down and put him in a car.
That alone should be worth a 100% on rottentomatoes!
Posted by: Brian at October 16, 2007 06:19 PM
Hey Jamie i loved the trailer to the new movie!
Im a HUGE fan of yours and that sucks when I hear you might not wanna be an actor anymore. Dont ever give up on being an actor or a rapper or anything you wanna be. Screw what everyone else thinks. You are so talented everyone else is just jealous. Dont listen to anyone to makes you feel less of a person than you are. Im sure you have a great head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work ok?
-Brittany
Posted by: Brittany Jade at October 29, 2007 12:58 PM
Duuude, hurry up and update!
Posted by: Anonymous at November 2, 2007 11:31 AM
Dear Jamie Kennedy,
Let me first and foremost say that I fell in love with you in Scream. Your performance and presence in all 3....there just...aren't...words. With that being said I don't care what the hell anyone else says about the movies you have done since then. This sounds and looks guh-reat, and the trailer made me laugh out loud. I will pay to go see it in theaters and I will also continue slow-clapping you every time I watch any Scream.
Yours Truly,
Nina from Texas
Posted by: Neeen at November 14, 2007 05:22 PM
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