Ben Stiller's documentary 'Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost' is a heartfelt tribute to the iconic comedy duo, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. The film, directed by Ben, who is their son, offers a unique perspective on their lives and careers. While the initial reverence and adoration might be overwhelming, the documentary is ultimately a captivating and honest portrayal of a loving family and a successful comedy partnership.
The film begins by showcasing the couple's rise to fame, starting with their debut on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1963. It captures the sweet-and-sour dynamic of their stand-up comedy, highlighting the contrast between Jerry's Jewish crank persona and Anne's sunny Irish lass with a tart tongue. The documentary also includes a telling clip of Johnny Carson's amazement at the couple's unusual background, which was groundbreaking at the time.
However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Stiller and Meara's success was not without its complexities. Their act was rooted in their personal lives, and their love and acrimony would spill onto the stage. Despite their fresh and trend-setting image, the couple's comedy was somewhat lightweight and corny by the time they became a TV staple. The documentary showcases their greatest routines, including a satire of computer dating and their 'Hate' sketch, but it leaves little to uncover about their comedic genius.
The film then shifts to a more intimate setting, with Ben and Amy, their children, reminiscing about their parents' lives. The apartment they grew up in is filled with memorabilia, and the documentary explores their home movies, diaries, and personal notes. It portrays a relatively happy family, with Jerry and Anne genuinely loving each other and providing a nurturing environment for their children. Ben and Amy recall their parents with a richly amused understanding of their foibles, and the film highlights the couple's heroic and charming decision to put family first.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the couple's complicated marriage. Despite their success, Stiller and Meara's backgrounds were more alike than one might imagine. Jerry, born and raised in New York City, and Anne, a self-described 'Irish princess' from Long Island, had a lot in common. The film suggests that if they had been more successful, they might have divorced, as celebrity and money would have amplified their simmering tensions.
The documentary also delves into the couple's separate careers as straight actors in the '70s, showcasing their success in movies and TV series. However, it highlights the karma of their long-term harmony, as both shows failed. The film concludes by emphasizing the couple's devotion to each other and their belief in something bigger than themselves, leaving a lasting impression of their love and legacy.
'Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost' is a must-watch for fans of the couple and comedy enthusiasts alike. It offers a unique and intimate perspective on their lives, careers, and complicated marriage, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for their work and a sense of their enduring legacy.
