Andrew Dice Clay: One Night with Dice

Andrew Dice Clay: One Night with Dice is a raw, uncensored, and unabashedly outrageous stand-up comedy performance film starring comedian Andrew Dice Clay. Released in 1987, the film sheds light on Clay's unfiltered humor, brash stage presence, and larger-than-life personality. Raising the bar of audacity and comic genius with a rapid-fire delivery of expletive-laden jokes and raunchy storytelling, the film delivers a rare, unfiltered peek into the life and performances of this controversial comic icon.

At the core of the performance is Andrew Dice Clay's signature shocking humor that pulls no punches. He uses his inherent talent for comedy to push the envelope, delivering riotous jokes about topics that many might balk at. His off-color humor revolving around sex, relationships, everyday situations, and absurdities of life combined with his hard-hitting 'Brooklyn tough guy' persona give rise to an entirely different style of comedy—bold, daring, and ceaselessly funny.

The film is set at Philadelphia's Comedy Factory Outlet, a popular venue known for hosting a multitude of stand-up fare, with Clay performing in front of a live audience. The special begins with black and white ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage, providing a rare glimpse into the pre-show moments of Clay's life—mingling with fans, having casual banters with his crew backstage, and preparing for his act. Suddenly, it transitions into full color as the comedian takes the stage to deliver an explosive set.

In 'One Night with Dice,' Clay establishes why he became a household name during the late '80s, enforcing his image as the “Rock and Roll Comedian." His narrative delivery is paired with a kinetic physical performance—provocative mimicries, flamboyant gestures, and dramatic pauses—creating a splendidly entertaining experience that leaves the spectators in awe of his audacious talent. But, beyond all the bluster and braggadocio, Clay shows glimpses of a keen observational ability. His spotlight on life's peculiar situations is done with a unique comedic flair that, while considered politically incorrect by some, is precisely what earned him a loyal fan base.

The film was directed by Kevin Padden and produced by Jay Dubin. Padden does not attempt to sanitize or diminish Clay's stage persona. Instead, he remains faithful to capturing the comedian's vivacious energy and comedic rhythm. It's a successful reproduction of Clay's live shows, giving it a distinctive ‘in-the-moment’ feel both visually and emotionally. The director deserves credit for successfully translating the comedian's stage charisma into a visual medium without losing much of its intensity and dynamism. Viewers feel like they're right there in the front row, with Clay commanding the stage and delivering his trademark dirty nursery rhymes.

Andrew Dice Clay: One Night with Dice is a comedic experience that tends to provoke mixed feelings. For his admirers, it’s a testament to Clay's audacious irreverence and raw comedic talent that propelled him to stardom. To his critics, the movie is a symbol of his bluntness and political incorrectness that doesn’t mesh with more sensitive societal norms. But, no matter one's opinion, it's undeniable that, through this film, the comedian made a significant impact on the comedic landscape, paving the way for future entertainers who dared to be ruthless, rebellious, and unabashedly themselves.

The film is an indispensable item for anyone interested in the stand-up comedy of the 1980s or in the works of Andrew Dice Clay himself. Watching ‘One Night with Dice,’ you embark on a journey where propriety often surrenders to hilarity, capturing the undiluted essence of a comedy show where laughter reigns supreme. As with any stand-up comedy special, viewer discretion is advised due to mature content and strong language, but that is part of the package with an Andrew Dice Clay performance.

Andrew Dice Clay: One Night with Dice is more than just a stand-up film; it's a bold and politically incorrect documentation of one of America’s most infamous comedians at the peak of his raunchy, no-holds-barred comedic powers. It’s a time capsule of an era where boundaries were pushed, and comedy was anything but polite. To watch it is to witness a piece of entertainment history and experience a performance of a unique comic who never backed down from pushing the envelope, regardless of the consequences. It offers a complete Dice experience - wildly entertaining, undoubtedly controversial, and forever unforgettable.