“Comedy is the release of tension and aggression,” Gallagher was known to say when asked for his definition of his particular art, perhaps not all that surprising an answer for the comic best known for ending his act by taking a mallet to a watermelon, but one that appears to be increasingly revealing as Josh Forbes’ compelling biography of him wears on. Forbes makes clear from the beginning of “Gallagher” he had something else in mind when first contacting the comedian to tell his life story, reaching out in 2017 to gauge his interest in being the subject of a career-spanning documentary. However, when Gallagher cuts off any direct involvement in the project, the film may be rougher in every regard, but all the richer for it when Forbes is forced to look outside his main subject for perspective and ends up with a better view of someone who never could see himself clearly. When the hammer comes down in “Gallagher,” you can really feel it. “Gallagher” will be available to stream virtually via the DOC NYC online platform from November 15th through December 1st.

Source: Forbes November 17, 2024 16:55 UTC