Netflix, the world's leading Internet network, announced today that it was making seven films written and directed by comedian Albert Brooks available for streaming for the first time starting tomorrow, Friday, July 1.
The films include: Defending Your Life, which marks its 25th anniversary this year; Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World; Lost in America; Modern Romance; Mother; The Muse; and Real Life. Brooks marked the announcement with the taped message below!
"Albert Brooks and his films have been a huge influence on American comedy," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, "His innovative early short films and comedy albums lead to body of film work that thrives in the culture and keeps us laughing today. We are proud to have our U.S. Netflix members revisit these great works and to help introduce Brooks' comedies to the next generation of fans."
Titles include:
Defending Your Life - A man who dies and arrives in the afterlife only to find that he must stand trial and justify his lifelong fears in order to advance to the next phase of existence; or be sent back to earth to do it again. The film stars Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep and Rip Torn.
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World - To improve its relations with Muslim countries, the United States government sends comedian Albert Brooks to south Asia to write a report on what makes followers of Islam laugh. The film stars Albert Brooks, Sheetal Sheth and John Carroll Lynch.
Lost in America - A 30-something married couple, inspired by the film Easy Rider, decide
to drop out, quit their jobs, sell their home and travel across America in a Winnebago. The film stars Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty.
Modern Romance - A successful film editor with far too many issues affects the relationship between him and his remarkably patient girlfriend. The film stars Albert Brooks, Kathryn Harrold, Bruno Kirby and George Kennedy.
Mother - A neurotic successful sci-fi writer is finalizing his second divorce, and is perplexed by the issues he has with women. He decides to initiate a project that will help him understand what went wrong in his relationships -- he moves back in with his mother. The film stars Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds.
The Muse - A Hollywood screenwriter seemingly has it all, but he's hit an artistic dry patch, so his writer friend recommends the services of a woman he swears is a veritable muse. Steven takes her on and is suddenly more inspired to create. Her services, however, come at a very steep price and Steven becomes suspicious about who Sarah really is and what she wants. The film stars Albert Brooks, Sharon Stone, Jeff Bridges and Andie MacDowell.
Real Life - In his directorial debut, Albert Brooks stars in this spoof of the 1973 reality television program "An American Family" and portrays a documentary filmmaker who attempts to live with and film a dysfunctional family for one full year. The film stars Brooks, Charles Grodin, Frances Lee McCain, J.A. Preston and Matthew Tobin.
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