MovieChat Forums > Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic (2013) Discussion > A better understanding

A better understanding

posted 11 years ago by acking3
4 replies | jump to latest

I had been a fan of Richard Pryor from the beginning. Even back in the mid 60's when he was doing straight up "sanitized" (dull) comedy bits on shows like Merv Griffin's, where you seldom if ever saw a black face. He no doubt had to kiss ass and toe the line to even be considered for those types of shows, which had to be like pulling your own teeth for a man from a tough inner city ghetto. After watching this documentary I feel like I have a better understanding as to why Richard Pryor was the way that he was. His family members, friends, and associates that were interviewed for the show revealed, what I feel, was the true nature of his personality "warts and all". His talent and genius was as an artist and performer in the field of comedy, outside of that he was a very flawed person, subject to some of the same weakness commonly seen in "some" people who come from a similar backgrounds (like his drug abuse and treatment of women). After being raised in a whorehouse around junkies, pimps, whores, and other assorted criminals, it's amazing that he turned out as good, and as successful as he did. Anyone growing up in those circumstances is never going to be a "normal person".

[–] Flexicon 11 years ago

People forget how special he was... I guess it's because people tend to forget history. I remember a time when Richard Pryor was the king of the world. He probably thought it wasn't fair... to be so celebrated when others were left behind. Maybe he thought he didn't deserve it. Looking back, I think there were very few who deserved it more. I miss him. I miss the days when we had men as great... not only to entertain, but to inspire us. Farewell dear friend. I hope the world remembers how much joy you brought us. You bring it still. Just a glimpse of you in moving pictures from days gone by brings laughter to my heart. You were magic and your legacy shines through. We are better for having known you just a little bit. Godspeed.

[–] TrentinaNE 11 years ago

His free-association job interview sketch with Chevy Chase in the first season of SNL remains a high-water mark of that series. I can still remember the shock and hilarity when he said Dead honkey! He was great in the Exorcist sketch as well.

[–] Sproketer 11 years ago

I agree, Richard used comedy as a remedy to the deep pain he felt, and it wasn't enough just to be deeply funny to ease pain, he needed to self-medicate, and that was his downfall, probably leading to all the excess, personality shifts, and self-destuctive behavior. What a terrible irony that he tried to commit suicide, failed, and then was hit with a disease. How tragic.

[–] candacbap-88-377616 11 years ago

Very well said. What I got a kick out of was his grandmother. On Merv Griffin she seemed like any sweet grandma. So to learn she ran a pool hall and had been the Madam of a whorehouse, who didn't like profanity, gave me a chuckle.