Mel Brooks at 99: HBO’s Lavish Yet Overstuffed Tribute

It’s rather astonishing that Mel Brooks, a towering figure in the world of comedy, has only now been given the full biographical treatment on screen. With Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio at the helm, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! arrives as a comprehensive, if somewhat unwieldy, homage to a man whose influence on cinema is difficult to overstate.

Charting a Comedic Legend’s Journey

The documentary sets out to chart Brooks’ remarkable ascent from modest beginnings as a gag writer to the heights of Hollywood, where he would go on to direct and star in a string of enduring classics. The film leaves few stones unturned, tracing his path from the early days through to his breakthrough with The Producers and on to the likes of Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs. Every phase of his career is given its due, with a particular focus on the creative process behind his most celebrated works.

There’s a sense of thoroughness bordering on excess here. The two-part structure, now something of a habit for HBO, means the runtime stretches to nearly four hours. For those with only a passing interest, it may feel a touch indulgent. Yet, for devotees of the craft, there’s plenty to savour, not least the behind-the-scenes tales and production anecdotes that even seasoned fans might not have encountered before.

Familiar Faces and Fond Reminiscences

To pay proper tribute, Apatow and Bonfiglio have assembled a veritable roll call of comic talent. The likes of Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Josh Gad, Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, and the late Rob Reiner all appear, offering their perspectives on Brooks’ enduring legacy. Some have worked alongside him; others simply count themselves among the many influenced by his work. Their contributions, while effusive, rarely stray from the expected tone of reverence.

As one might anticipate, the documentary is at its best when it allows Brooks’ own wit and charm to take centre stage. The interviews, interspersed with archive footage and film clips, provide a window into the mind of a man who has shaped the landscape of screen comedy for generations.

“BKCHXD MEL BROOKS (DIR) ON SET SPACEBALLS (1987) WITH BILL PULMAN, RICK MORANIS MELB 004”

The stories behind the films, the creative risks, and the moments of serendipity are all here, recounted with a mixture of nostalgia and admiration.

Surface-Level Glimpses and Missed Opportunities

Yet, for all its detail, the film is curiously reticent when it comes to Brooks’ private life. There’s little in the way of personal revelation, and the focus remains firmly on his professional achievements. Given the sheer volume of material, it’s perhaps understandable, but after nearly four hours, one might hope for a glimpse beneath the public persona. The result is a portrait that, while affectionate, feels a little too safe.

Stylistically, Apatow and Bonfiglio opt for a straightforward approach. Talking heads, archival images, and film extracts do the heavy lifting. It’s a sensible choice, given the subject’s natural charisma, but there’s a nagging sense that a more playful or inventive style—something in keeping with Brooks’ own sensibilities—might have elevated the piece.

“FILE — Mel Brooks (left), director of the film ‘The Producers’ with actor Gene Wilder in New York, July 11,1967. Wilder, who established himself as one of America’s foremost comic actors with his delightfully neurotic performances in three films directed by Brooks, his eccentric star turn in the family classic ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ and his winning chemistry with Richard Pryor in the box-office smash ‘Stir Crazy,’ died on Aug. 29, 2016. He was 83. (Sam Falk/The New York Times)”

A Fitting, If Overlong, Salute

For those keen to revisit their favourite comedies or glean a few new insights, this documentary offers a proper celebration of a singular talent. It’s a fitting, if slightly overstuffed, tribute to a man whose impact on the world of laughter is unlikely to be matched any time soon.