Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon

Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon is a documentary film that celebrates the rise and fall of one of the most important cultural institutions of the 20th century, the National Lampoon magazine. Directed by Douglas Tirola, the film chronicles the history of the magazine from its inception in the late 60s to its eventual demise in the late 80s.

The film is told through a series of interviews with former writers, editors, and contributors to the magazine. They provide a unique perspective on the magazine's early days, when it was founded by Harvard graduates Doug Kenney, Henry Beard, and Rob Hoffman with the aim of creating a publication that would "take down the Establishment." The film charts the magazine's meteoric rise to success, with editorial coverage that ranged from satirical articles on politics, sex, and drugs to comedy sketches and cartoons.

The documentary uses a clever mix of archival footage, animation, and reenactments to bring the magazine's story to life. The film's wide array of interviewees includes some of today's most successful comedians and entertainers, including Judd Apatow, Kevin Bacon, Chevy Chase, John Goodman, and Billy Bob Thornton. They all provide firsthand accounts of working for the magazine and describe the influence it had on their own comedic style.

Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead also explores the darker side of the magazine's story, including the many lawsuits and controversies that arose over the years. The film delves into the clashes between the magazine's founders and their financial backers, and the struggles they faced to maintain creative control of their vision. The film also deals with the conflicts within the editorial staff and the effect that drugs and alcohol had on their work.

Throughout the film, the National Lampoon is presented as a cultural touchstone that helped shape the landscape of comedy in the US. It was the launching pad for many of today's most successful comedians, and its style and humor influenced a generation of writers and performers. The film pays homage to this legacy and gives the magazine's founders their due as trailblazers in the world of comedy.

In summary, Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the history of American comedy. It is a funny, insightful, and revealing look at one of the most influential magazines of the 20th century. Through a mix of interviews and archival footage, the film paints a picture of the cultural landscape of the time, and how the National Lampoon played a key role in shaping it.