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Page Hurwitz’s Documenting of LGBTQ+ Comedy with Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution
On May 7, 2022, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles witnessed a milestone in comedy history, as LGBTQ+ comedians congregated for an extraordinary event, marking Netflix’s stand-up special, Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. This occasion was more than just an entertainment spectacle; for filmmaker Page Hurwitz, it served as the foundational element for her documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution.
“The documentary was my primary focus from the start,” Hurwitz revealed in an interview. “I envisioned a historic LGBTQ comedy show that would serve as the energetic backbone for the documentary. When I presented my idea to Netflix, they embraced it enthusiastically. The goal was to craft a documentary that resonated with the vibrancy of our community, incorporating live performances, interviews, and archival footage to capture that essence.”
Initially, Hurwitz aimed to film the Greek Theater event using a cinéma vérité approach to maintain its authentic energy. Netflix backed this direction but soon suggested an additional challenge: producing a separate, standalone special to complement the documentary. Hurwitz agreed, thinking, “Why not create both a feature-length documentary and a special?”
As editing commenced, the standalone comedy special was completed and released ahead of the documentary. Hurwitz clarified this timeline disparity: “The special, focused on performances, was quicker to edit, while the documentary required extensive work on archival elements.”
The film delves into the progression of LGBTQ+ comedy by spotlighting pioneering figures who have broken societal and entertainment barriers. Hurwitz stresses the significance of honoring diverse queer comedians from various generations, ranging from legendary talents like Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes, and Robin Tyler, to contemporary stars such as Bob the Drag Queen, Joel Kim Booster, and Fortune Feimster.
“It was imperative for me to acknowledge our accomplishments over time, which meant revisiting those who transformed stand-up comedy for the LGBTQ+ community,” Hurwitz explained. During her research, she discovered many compelling stories that had been previously overlooked, including Tomlin, who took the lead in the 1970s comedy benefit event Star Spangled Night for Rights. “Tomlin had a lot to lose but bravely represented her truth and identities,” Hurwitz noted.
Robin Tyler also stands out as a crucial figure in this narrative. “I initially knew little about Robin,” Hurwitz admitted, “but I selected individuals based on their profound influence on both the culture and the comedy landscape.” Tyler made history as the first comedian to come out on national television in 1978. Following her bold statements during a televised special, which included critiques of anti-LGBTQ activist Anita Bryant, her variety show was canceled.
Other comedians featured in the documentary, such as Eddie Izzard, Sandra Bernhard, and Margaret Cho, have also played vital roles in expanding the comedy scene. Hurwitz acknowledges Cho’s impact by encouraging queer comedians to find independence outside traditional channels. “Margaret showcased that you could rent your own venues and connect with audiences directly, setting a precedent that is now commonplace for many comedians.”
A standout element of the documentary consists of rare archival resources, as Hurwitz and her team unearthed valuable footage previously forgotten, like Tomlin’s Star-Spangled Night for Rights. Hurwitz described, “We managed to locate just two copies of the show on VHS — one was kept at Oxford University, and the other was in the possession of the producer’s widow who generously allowed us to digitize it.”
Moreover, the documentary revisits Richard Pryor‘s open acknowledgment of his sexuality, which showcases his bravery in discussing complex racial and societal issues. “Pryor’s candidness was incredibly powerful, especially during a time devoid of the internet and constant celebrity scrutiny,” Hurwitz stated. “It begs the question of how far society has come and invites reflections on future similar revelations in the comedy realm.”
For Hurwitz, Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution represents more than just a documentary; it is a personal testament. Having started her career as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco’s Castro District, she identifies the genre as a key factor for finding her community and voice. “Chronicling this history and honoring the stories of countless outstanding comedians has always been a dream of mine. This film is my heartfelt tribute to the community,” she declared.
Though Hurwitz aspires for the film to gain award recognition, her priorities lie in the broader impact of representation. “The fact that I was able to make this film, and that it resonates with audiences and the comedians involved, is what truly counts,” she added.
Regarding the unedited version of the Greek Theater special, Hurwitz hopes that Netflix will eventually release it in its entirety. “Many memorable moments were left out of Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration for time constraints… we may never replicate that night, but the experience was unforgettable.”
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution is available for streaming on Netflix.
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