Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill is a stand-up comedy film that was released in 1999. The movie showcases the exceptional talents of one of the most enigmatic and truly ingenious comedy minds of our generation - British comedian and writer, Eddie Izzard. The show, which takes place at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, represents one of Izzard's most popular and critically acclaimed performances, capturing the comedian at the height of his creative prowess and demonstrating why he has been hailed as a comic genius by critics and audiences alike.

One of the defining aspects of "Dress to Kill" - and indeed of Izzard's comedic approach overall - is his unique and distinctive style. Famed for his flamboyant attire and transvestite lifestyle, Izzard doesn’t shy away from exploring these aspects of his life on stage. He glides onto the stage in a whirl of glitter, make-up, and high heels, immediately captivating the audience and setting the tone for the evening. Yet it's not just his attire that sets him apart. Izzard's comedy is a blend of the surreal, the spontaneous, and the deeply intellectual, culminating in a style that simply can't be pinned down to one category.

"Dress to Kill" offers a tour-de-force demonstration of this approach. Izzard takes seemingly disparate subjects - from the Church of England to Star Wars, the history of Europe to San Francisco culture - weaving them together with his sharp wit, incredible intellect, and unique perspective. He somehow makes connections and draws parallels that no one else would see, transforming the most mundane of subjects into hilarious comedic opportunities. His unscripted and spontaneous style keeps the audience on its toes, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability that only adds to the comedic potential of his performance.

However, it's not just about laughter. Throughout "Dress to Kill", Izzard impressively treads the line between comedy and thought-provoking commentary. With his fluid transitions and juxtapositions, he effortlessly shifts from prancing around the stage, lampooning Queen Victoria, to delivering biting social commentary on issues of sexuality, gender roles, and identity. His comedy encourages the audience to challenge their preconceptions and question norms, all while keeping them laughing.

What is particularly brilliant about Izzard is his ability to weave historical, pop-cultural, and personal narratives into his performance. "Dress to Kill" is filled with high-speed, breathless monologues that span everything from the founding of the Church of England to stories about his own life, all presented with Izzard’s signature quirkiness and dry wit. His ability to take ordinary details and spin them into extraordinary tales keeps the audience engaged, amused, and often educated.

One of the standout features of "Dress to Kill" and indeed, of Izzard’s comedy style, is his adeptness with mimicry. Whether it be impersonating James Mason as God, or a squirrel as a terrorist, his impersonations and accents are not just on point, but also strategically used to act out mini-dramas or to embolden his punchlines.

The film itself was directed by Lawrence Jordan and Peter Sinclair and was first broadcasted on HBO before being released on DVD. Furthermore, the performance earned Izzard two Primetime Emmy Awards, confirming the comic's status as one of the leading lights in the stand-up comedy scene.

All in all, "Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill" is a masterclass in stand-up comedy, setting new highs for the genre. Its combination of comedic brilliance and social commentary marks it as one of the standout comedy performances of the decade. For fans of stand-up and newcomers to the genre alike, this movie is guaranteed to entertain, provoke thought, and above all, make you laugh out loud. Infused with Izzard's own distinctive style and marked by its daring originality, it reaffirms Eddie Izzard’s position as a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy.