Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown (2016)

Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown (2016) is an enthralling exploration of an enigmatic icon whose comedic genius reverberated through the ages. From his early beginnings, Lewis, akin to the likes of Chaplin, Keaton, and Laurel, was a master of mirth, inducing laughter with his distinctive blend of visual gags, pantomime sketches, and slapstick humor. But the essence of Lewis transcends the realm of mere clowning. A pioneer in the cinematic world, he indulged his relentless curiosity by taking the reins as writer, producer, director, and star of many films he featured in, crafting beloved classics such as The Bellboy, The Ladies Man, The Errand Boy, and The Nutty Professor. His metamorphosis into a "total filmmaker" not only elevated his status in Hollywood but shattered the mold of comic performance. Lewis’ technical ingenuity, distinctive narrative voice, and sharp visual perception shattered boundaries and earned him accolades abroad. Yet, his artistic brilliance met with a paradoxical response. While American critics and cultural elites dismissed him as a mere jester, the French hailed him as an auteur, stirring a cultural conundrum that continues to perplex American pop culture: Why does Europe cherish Jerry Lewis, while America struggles to do the same? Is he merely a brash buffoon, or a creative prodigy? The movie invites you to delve into the enigma and uncover the man behind the clown.

Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown is a documentary movie featuring Jerry Lewis and directed by Grégory Monro.

Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV and VUDU Free and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.