AJFF Intro: Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me
Lovingly directed by biography documentarian Barry Avrich, “But Enough About Me” is a touching look at a man who uses humor to cope with a world that terrifies him.
To prepare you for 21st year of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, completely virtual-for-the-first time as you’ve never seen before, we bring you 21 previews spotlighting the breath of films offered for your home viewing. The films, which represent more than half of those in the AJFF lineup Feb. 17-28, include classics, intimate family dramas, upbeat comedy and historic documentaries. Sit back and relax as the AJFF brings us together through film.
There are few showbiz careers that have had as many twists and turns as Howie Mandel. He grew to fame as a standup comic with an inflatable rubber glove over his head. He then became a notable actor on “St. Elsewhere” and as one of the most successful voice-actors around. After fading from view for some years, he came back as a game-show host on “Deal or No Deal.” And now, as his career enters its fifth decade, Mandel again finds himself in American homes every week as a judge on “America’s Got Talent.”
Mandel has long been open and honest about his battles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and anxiety. He’s terrified of shaking hands. This documentary was little more than halfway done when the pandemic hit, allowing the filmmakers to document how one of the world’s most famous germaphobes deals with the terror that is COVID-19.
Much of the film focuses on Mandel recalling the moments from his life that led to where he is today, including a trip back to his high school in Toronto and to the synagogue where he got married. Lovingly directed by biography documentarian Barry Avrich, “But Enough About Me” is a touching look at a man who uses humor to cope with a world that terrifies him.
The AJFF sat down for a conversation with Mandel and Avrich. That candid discussion will be a part of the presentation of this film.
comments