Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World

Promotional poster
Directed by Albert Brooks
Produced by Steve Bing
Herb Nanas
JoAnn Perittano
Written by Albert Brooks
Starring Penny Marshall
Victoria Burrows
Paul Jerome
Albert Brooks
Sheetal Sheth
Emma Lockhart
Amy Ryan
Music by Michael Giacchino
Cinematography Thomas E. Ackerman
Edited by Anita Brandt-Burgoyne
Production
company
Seventh Picture Production
Kintop Pictures
Shangri-La Entertainment
THINKFilm
Distributed by Warner Independent Pictures
Release dates
  • December 15, 2005 (2005-12-15)
Running time
 98 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $10,000,000

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World is a 2005 film starring and directed by Albert Brooks.[1] It was shown at the Dubai International Film Festival.

Synopsis

Albert Brooks, a Jewish-American comedian, is asked by the United States government to travel to India and Pakistan to find out "what makes Muslims laugh." References are made to Brooks's earlier films, including Finding Nemo, Lost In America and Defending Your Life, along with his earlier stand-up comedy material.

Upon reaching India, Brooks begins interviewing Indians and gathering material for the 500-page essay expected of him from the government. He is aided by two agents (who actually help very little) and an Indian woman named Maya (Sheetal Sheth), who was hired as his assistant.

Brooks' interviews and a failed stand-up performance begin to attract the attention of the Indian government, who fear he is a spy of some sort. Unable to get a visa, Brooks illegally enters Pakistan for four hours to interview several fledgling Pakistani comedians, the Indian government becomes even more paranoid, increasing border control. This action causes alarm to Pakistan, who responds with security measures of their own.

As tension between the countries grows, the American government orders Brooks to leave the country and return to America. It is later said that the tension between Pakistan and India is resolved after they learn that everything was Brooks's fault. It is also revealed that Maya sent what was written of the report to Washington, but it received no recognition.

Cast

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it received 42% positive reviews.[2] It opened in limited release (in only 161 theatres).[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Scott, A. O. (January 20, 2006). "Sometimes Politics Simply Won't Do". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World - Movie Reviews, Trailers, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes
  3. ↑ Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2005) - Box office / business
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