Albert Brooks pays strangers to roast him for 7 minutes. Comedy masochism at its finest.
Albert Brooks goes to a research institute to find out why people don't like him and how he can change that. Saturday Night Live, Season 1 Episode 9
Writing
Self-aware satire that predicted modern comedy.
Acting
Brooks weaponizes his own unlikeability.
Director
Albert Brooks
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1976 short invented the 'sad comedian' archetype that would dominate prestige TV decades later.
James L. Brooks went on to produce 'The Simpsons' and 'Taxi'—this was their first collaboration.
US
