Doug Stanhope's The Unbookables

Doug Stanhope's The Unbookables is a unique, intense and often darkly humorous documentary film that follows the unconventional stand-up comedy tour of the titular group of comedians. The 2012 film showcases the lives of traveling comedians Andy Andrist, Brett Erikson, James Inman, and others who certainly don't fit the typical mold for comedy professionals.

The Unbookables are a group of comedians outside the mainstream of the comedy circuit. These are the stand-ups whose routines are too provocative, too unexpected or simply too strange to find a home in the glossy, prime-time world of conventional comedy clubs. This movie, therefore, provides an unflinching look into the darker corners of the comedy world and the fearless performers who inhabit them.

The film reveals a much different lifestyle than what most of us would normally associate with stand-up comedians. The allure of fame or the trappings of success is absent. Rather, the film opens up a window into the harsh realities of a road comic’s life, documenting their triumphs, tragedies, and above all, their incomparable ability to find humor in even the most unlikely situations.

Highly controversial and often shocking comedian Doug Stanhope, famous for his edgy, aggressive and taboo-challenging style, produced the film. Under his direction, the project takes on an ethereal, almost Gonzo-like quality, reminiscent of the writings of Hunter S. Thompson. The comedians' tales are not told in a linear fashion, but as fragmented, chaotic snippets of life on the road, intertwined with their on-stage performances.

The film offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the comedians' lives, away from the stages and lights. It encapsulates their battles with personal demons, the struggles with addictions, loneliness, the constant pressures to create and perform, and the rowdy camaraderie that binds them together. It also vividly captures the harsh truth that comedy, for many, is not just an occupation, but a way of life, full of highs, lows, and in-betweens.

Stanhope's The Unbookables also showcases their love for comedy — a love so profound that they bear the grinds of a tough lifestyle and face any challenge that comes their way, just for the sheer joy and fulfillment of making strangers laugh. This film is all about the unwavering courage to go on stage, night after night, in whatever condition, knowing they might face boos, empty chairs, or hostile audiences.

Andy Andrist, Brett Erikson, and James Inman headline the featured comics. Andrist's sharp wit, Erickson's sarcastic, observational humor, and Inman's quick, unpredictable humor add unique dimensions to the film, each representing another side of the comedy spectrum.

Andrist specializes in a deeply personal, warts-and-all style of humor that strikes right at the bone. Erikson brings a more traditional, observational kind of comedy, although spiced with a biting sarcasm and edge that separates him from the mainstream pack. Finally, Inman's performance ranges from deep socio-political commentary to quick-fire jokes that keep the audience unsure of what to expect next.

Stanhope's The Unbookables is a film for those intrigued by the world of stand-up comedy - but not the glamourous, sanitised version we usually see. Instead, it shows us the gritty, unpolished, often messy world of those who live and breathe stand-up comedy — whose stories are more than just a litany of scripted jokes and punchlines, but a resistant performance against all odds. It presents the raw, undiluted essence of comedy as an art form — an honest expression of life with all its absurdities and discomforts.

In conclusion, this film is a poignant, thought-provoking narrative of the life of an unbookable comedian. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of stand-up comedy, the beauty of storytelling, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. It's an unrated, non-sugar-coated display of the hallowed trenches of comedy. These performers might be deemed 'unbookable' by mainstream standards, but as the movie astutely demonstrates, their tales are undeniably unforgettable.