Is he an egomaniac? Yes. Is he entitled to be? Absolutely. Jerry did everything in his films so it's no surprise he's he's own narrator here. And that's a plus because no one else can explain Jerry like Jerry. The film and video clips are an excellent reminder of his genius. Probably the most gifted physical comic since the silent era. I grew up with Jerry, was initially crushed by the split of Martin and Lewis, and then buoyant into my early teens by Jerry's solo film career. I turned away from as an adolescent and young adult and then I saw him a decade later as a guest on a network variety show and again his gifts at physical comedy shined even as his career had faded. From that point forward I did acknowledge his imporatance but never revisited the films. With Method To The Madness I relived what I instinctively was attracted to as a child and moments that were still in my memory but hadn't been accessed for more than 50 years. It is a shame that Jerry was not properly honored with both an AFI Live Achievement Award and Kennedy Center Honor. There are few in film and television more deserving and a number who have gotten them were clearly influenced by Jerry. Tell me Steve Martin, who I admire and who received both, was not influenced by Jerry and that Jerry didn't pave the way for "silly" to come from a thoughtful and artistic place of inspiration. The film shows you that until the end of his life he was appreciated within the comedy and film community and most of all by the fans. Not a sad or bitter moment. In this document Jerry left behind a memory people can enjoy, those who didn't grow up with him can appreciate, and he would be proud of. Thank you Jerry.
