About Mel Brooks Unwrapped (HBO)

"Mel Brooks Unwrapped" is a 2019 documentary-style HBO film that offers a hilarious, deep dive into the life and career of Mel Brooks. Known for his comedic brilliance, the film is a compilation of more than 30 years of interviews conducted by Alan Yentob, former creative director for the BBC. It provides an intimate, unparalleled look at Brooks' career in comedy, stage and screen, with anecdotes and reflections from the legend himself.

Making/Production

The film was produced by HBO Documentary Films and Brooksfilms. It was directed by Alan Yentob, a longstanding collaborator with Brooks, which allowed him unprecedented access to the comedian's insights and stories. The film is essentially a montage of interviews, shows, and film clips that span over three decades of Brooks' career.

Actors

• Mel Brooks - Playing himself, Brooks offers personal insights into his life and career. He entertains with his characteristic wit and humor throughout the film.
• Alan Yentob - As the interviewer, Yentob plays a crucial role in teasing out Brooks' stories and reflections. His persistent curiosity helps uncover hidden aspects of Brooks' life and career.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• "Mel Brooks Unwrapped" is the second collaboration between Alan Yentob and Mel Brooks. Their first project together was "Imagine: Mel Brooks – Unwrapped" back in 1981.
• The film includes highlights from Brooks' 1981 Broadway musical "The Producers," which won 12 Tony Awards and set a record for the most wins in Broadway history.

Quotes

• "Comedy is protest. Comedy is a human instinct."
• "If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes."
• "I'd like to find a serious piece I could do well."

Music/Soundtrack

• "Springtime for Hitler" - Iconic song from "The Producers", featured in the documentary among many others.
• "Hope for the Best, Expect the Worst" - Song from "The Twelve Chairs", another Mel Brooks' creation that is included in the film.