Cracked Up

Cracked Up is a gripping, thought-provoking documentary that provides a profoundly personal look into the life and career of comedian Darrell Hammond, widely recognized for his long-running tenure on "Saturday Night Live". Directed by Michelle Esrick and released in 2018, the film aims to shine a light on trauma, resilience, and personal transformation.

Hammond, known for his stellar impersonations of famous figures that entertained audiences across America for over a decade, invites viewers into the darkest corners of his life, revealing his long-lasting battle with mental health disorders and addiction rooted in childhood trauma. His riveting journey, from Florida boyhood through successful but tumultuous Saturday Night Live years to present-day healing, paints an intricate portrait of a man - funny, yes, but also deeply wounded.

The film opens with Hammond's childhood, providing an intimate view of the family dynamics and a glimpse into the disturbing and painful experiences that set the course of his life. His mother, a profound perpetrator of brutal physical and psychological abuse, and his father, a gut-wrenchingly silent bystander, created an environment of fear and violence that turned Hammond's childhood home into a dreadful battleground.

Despite such a traumatic past, Hammond managed to pick himself up and carve a successful career in comedy. The film delves into his time at the iconic show Saturday Night Live (SNL). As a master impressionist, Hammond holds the record for the longest tenure of any SNL cast member, brilliantly impersonating over 100 characters, from Presidents to pop stars. Using interviews and snippets from SNL, the documentary showcases his work where Hammond channelled his pain into comedy.

However, in parallel, Cracked Up also unravels the staggering toll that Hammond's past took on his mental health. He went through multiple interventions, stays in psychiatric hospitals, an array of misdiagnoses, and an endless cycle of medications to no avail. His struggle with alcohol and self-harm escalated while working on SNL, revealing the hidden anguish behind his celebrated comedy.

There is also an exploration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with which Hammond was ultimately diagnosed. The film interviews clinicians and experts such as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, an author and PTSD specialist, who help to explain the condition. They discuss how trauma memory is kept locked in the body, explaining Hammond's inexplicable flashbacks and panic attacks in detail, providing audiences with an informative overview of PTSD's physiological and psychological effects.

Cracked Up turns out to be a victory narrative in the end. It documents Hammond's relentless journey towards recovery, ushered forward by his therapist, who becomes a key figure later on in the film. She points him to the right diagnosis and ultimately helps him navigate the difficult path to healing. It is this journey that gives Hammond a platform and mission to share his story in the hope that it will de-stigmatize mental health and assist others with similar experiences.

Larry Laskowski in the film plays the vital role of assistant and close friend, turning out to be a deep source of encouragement and support during the tougher periods of Hammond's life. Lorne Michaels, the impresario of SNL, echoes this sentiment in a telling cameo – displaying his support, frustration, confusion, and love for Hammond throughout his ordeal.

Cracked Up is a starkly honest portrayal of a man’s struggle with enduring PTSD resulting from childhood abuse that remained hidden behind the façade of comedy. It masterfully juxtaposes the glitz and glamour of SNL's comedy stage with the bleak reality of Hammond's private battle. The film serves as a stark reminder that trauma can impact anyone, no matter how successful or seemingly high-functioning they may be.

Engaging, intimate, and deeply moving, Cracked Up is more than just a snapshot of a damaged comedian's life. It is an urgent call to acknowledge, understand, and act against the enduring impacts of trauma on individuals' lives. It insists that for every laugh, there might be a tear and that understanding the tear is as essential as enjoying the laugh.