This landmark 1967 faux-documentary finds recently dumped David Holzman (Kit Carson) unloading comic-neurotic monologues straight to the camera. Filmed like cinema verite, it's a well-disguised fiction about the deceptions of cinematic illusionism and the lies we tell ourselves in order to live. New York Times Critics Pick.

This revealing documentary follows the life and career of Joan Rivers, a veteran comedienne arguably more known for her extensive plastic surgery than for her talent. The film explores her early years in the comedy industry and touches on her longtime professional relationship with Johnny Carson, who is one of many celebrities featured, along with George Carlin, Phyllis Diller, Kathy Griffin and Rivers' own daughter and frequent screen partner, Melissa...

"Call me lucky tells the story of Barry Crimmins, a beer-swilling, politically outspoken and whip-smart comic whose efforts in the 70s and 80s fostered the talents of the next generation of standup comedians. But beneath Crimmins' gruff, hard drinking, curmudgeonly persona lay an undercurrent of rage stemming from his long-surpressed and horrific abuse as a child, a rage that eventually found its way out of the comedy clubs and into the political...