I always thought Hammond had the most talent out of all the superstars he's worked with during his historic stint at SNL. His impressions were spot on and timeless classics that are still quoted today. With all that, I always felt he didn't get the recognition he deserved and I never really saw any interviews with him. This documentary sheds light on the man of a thousand voices like never before and I'm and even bigger fan after watching.
21 Reviews
wounds, coping, self hate, healing, grief, words of wisdom
hons11 May 2020
Woe, this documentary has a lot, including a lot to process and wonder about, and think and feel. On display is the lifelong effects of childhood trauma, the pain, the crazy making of toxic wounded parents, the cry for help of cutting, and maybe humor and impressions. And the ability to heal some of it.
Genius Comes at a Price
funkylamb18 June 2020
So many artists throughout the centuries have led difficult lives. Those experiences more often than not are channeled into something beautiful. This is one of those stories.
If you have ever had any type of trauma in your life, I would suggest taking a look at this well produced documentary on Hammond's life. Sometimes something very familiar even if it is tragic can bring closure. I believe this film can do that for so many.
--RB
If you have ever had any type of trauma in your life, I would suggest taking a look at this well produced documentary on Hammond's life. Sometimes something very familiar even if it is tragic can bring closure. I believe this film can do that for so many.
--RB
A well-made documentary
Jeremy_Urquhart9 October 2021
Very confronting subject matter, but I think it was handled and discussed respectively and without feeling exploitative or shocking an any kind of tacky way. That being said, it doesn't sugarcoat or downplay its very heavy themes. I think it gets the balance is just right.
I had never heard of Darrell Hammond before (have never watched Saturday Night Live), but his life story is compelling, and I admire the courage it would take to talk about the things he has gone through so openly.
From a filmmaking standpoint it's nothing amazing, and it's not always satisfying in terms of the way scenes flow together (maybe a touch too long, too) but as a biographical documentary and an honest look at both childhood trauma and the effects it can have on a person's mental health as an adult, it's very effective. Much more mature and respectful than many of the more high profile documentaries on Netflix, that's for sure.
I had never heard of Darrell Hammond before (have never watched Saturday Night Live), but his life story is compelling, and I admire the courage it would take to talk about the things he has gone through so openly.
From a filmmaking standpoint it's nothing amazing, and it's not always satisfying in terms of the way scenes flow together (maybe a touch too long, too) but as a biographical documentary and an honest look at both childhood trauma and the effects it can have on a person's mental health as an adult, it's very effective. Much more mature and respectful than many of the more high profile documentaries on Netflix, that's for sure.
Honest look at childhood trauma
sue-5346 May 2020
Darrell Hammond's story of a survivor of childhood trauma really resonated with me.
I like how he says, "I won. But I hobble." That pretty much sums up how it feels as we get older and live with our childhood trauma. It's not a matter of stuffing it away, or crying it out, or forgetting about it.
Being hurt by the very people we thought were there to protect us causes the brain to rewire, to try to make sense of what is happening.
This film is so powerful, moving, and sometimes funny, Darrell is a comedian.
We hear about some of the specific events that happened to him and can only imagine others. We learn how he lived with it, coped with it and has come to terms with it. He talks about medications, doctors, and his personal demons.
It brought me to tears.
A few of the more memorable lines from "Cracked UP"
"If you want to stay alive you have to come up with something." "You have to forgive yourself for the way you tried to take care of yourself." "To wake up one morning and bot be scared, wow." "Your disrespecting me devastate me. But -- is the world gonna end?"
I like how he says, "I won. But I hobble." That pretty much sums up how it feels as we get older and live with our childhood trauma. It's not a matter of stuffing it away, or crying it out, or forgetting about it.
Being hurt by the very people we thought were there to protect us causes the brain to rewire, to try to make sense of what is happening.
This film is so powerful, moving, and sometimes funny, Darrell is a comedian.
We hear about some of the specific events that happened to him and can only imagine others. We learn how he lived with it, coped with it and has come to terms with it. He talks about medications, doctors, and his personal demons.
It brought me to tears.
A few of the more memorable lines from "Cracked UP"
"If you want to stay alive you have to come up with something." "You have to forgive yourself for the way you tried to take care of yourself." "To wake up one morning and bot be scared, wow." "Your disrespecting me devastate me. But -- is the world gonna end?"
Important documentary; everyone should watch
petersonjessica-1990330 May 2020
My coworker recommended this film because my husband works with foster children who have had trauma in their early years. I really feel that this film reiterates everything I've learned from him regarding this subject. Trauma affects the brain like a disease; especially early childhood trauma. It's devastating that Darrell was misdiagnosed for so many years, but he is so brave to speak about it later in life. There is much to learn from his experiences. This is just another instance of victims not being able to get the treatment and assistance they need to embark in their healing process. I'm very glad he was able to get the help he needed. It also sheds light on the fact that his abuse could've been stopped throughout his childhood if just one person had questioned his injuries. Obviously he grew up in a different time, but we still have appalling child abuse cases today. There is much to learn from this incredible documentary.
Not an easy watch, but a necessary one
zackstein-180-8781621 May 2020
If you are familiar with Darrell Hammond, you almost feel like you owe it to him to at least give him 90 minutes to hear his story. It's a heart wrenching story laced with optimism and hope for us all. You might learn something about yourself.
Hard to watch, but important to see
Vastka-2839619 September 2020
Utmost respect to Darrell Hammond for allowing world to see his scars, both emotional and physical. Childhood traumas are vitally important to be acknowledged. Everyone who is willing to publicly share their trauma story is a hero. Thank you Darrell!
Wow...
Analog_Devotee14 June 2021
Awe inspiring
dredpath-9384719 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Thank you! I applaud your bravery to do this. Your a trauma hero. We need to hear from survivors. Last night I cried out to God. I just am so afraid to go to sleep. You were the answer. I need more counseling. Trama counseling.
More painful than the incoherent ramblings of a stranger at a nursing home
AttorneyJenn15 June 2021
There is nothing linear or discernible about this documentary of randomness. It's hard to care and even more difficult to watch when the subject matter is entirely unclear. A painful watch for entirely different reasons than they would want you to believe. A hot mess of a "story".
Heartbreaking, Uplifting
kfcharbonneau21 September 2021
Darrell Hammond is the epitome of the strength of the human spirit. The atrocities he suffered as a child took him to the highs and lows of life. Darrell's open and honest raw emotion is bound to bring a tear to your eye in a lump to your throat several times throughout this very well put together and courageous documentary.
Looking Behind the Laughter
leighta_greenleaf26 October 2021
This is the stunning story of the mental (and too often physical) battle lurking in the past and present of one of the funniest living comedians. Darrell's journey through trauma, alcohol, prescriptions, therapy, rehab, and self-injury shows how complicated mental illness is even after a diagnosis; there is no "I had a mental illness" there is only "I have a mental illness." The way this documentary is laid out shows how bad things got in private when everything appeared perfect in public.
After watching this I am genuinely startled at how Darrell survived his childhood.
After watching this I am genuinely startled at how Darrell survived his childhood.
A Textbook Case of Borderline Personality Disorder
michele-231-43276220 May 2020
It was difficult to watch Darrell Hammond's hard, cold lying eyes and occasional alligator tears. The only friend he has apparently ever had never witnessed anything, and there is no corroboration for his "repressed memories." Where is his sister in this story? Other relatives? Friends? Google the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder.
What a disjointed mess
stsorrell23 June 2021
This is hard to watch... not because of the subject matter, but because the story is all over the place. It's hard to build an emotional connection to Darrell because of the way the story unfolds. It's just a hot mess. I wanted to feel badly for him, but all I felt was that this story cheated me of that.
Whoa is me.....
westbayou30 May 2020
Incredibly boring tale of a has been that nobody has thought about in many years. Typical great talent that completely destroyed his life and career, and now wants us to believe "hey, it wasn't my fault because I remembered my childhood sucked." Hard pass. Nothing insightful here.
Not very good
shanayneigh25 June 2021
Of course it's horrible what Hammond had to endure, but that does not necessarily translate into a good documentary. The structure is all over the place, it's still not clear what happened when. It feels exploitative considering his mental illness. He's still clearly not doing well. Do we really need the cameras rolling when he breaks down and cries again for the umpteenth time?
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