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Comedian/actor/writer/director Albert Brooks deserves a film about his life.

Brooks started out as an unconventional standup comedian. Then he became an unconventional filmmaker, starring in his own films. Along the way he transitioned to dramatic actor, with a twist of humor. Taxi Driver, Broadcast News, The In-Laws, Drive, Out of Sight, Concussion, et al. Of course, he’s done voice work in The Simpsons, Finding Nemo, Dr. Doolittle, The Little Prince and others.

Longtime friend Rob Reiner directs this documentary and interviews Brooks, along with interviews with plenty of comedians and entertainers. Brooks and Reiner attended high school together.

“He was the first alternative comic,” said Jon Stewart.

“He was a comic tornado,” said Steven Spielberg. “You never knew what crazy stuff he would do.

“You can tell everything real in his personality comes out in his films.” Conan O’Brien.

Brooks came out of the same generation of comedians as Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson, Robert Klein and the George Carlin hippy era.

On every variety show (Brooks says 100) from Dean Martin to Flip Wilson to Merv Griffin, he was well-known before he did his first of 30 Tonight Show appearances. He and Johnny instantly connected. Brooks was one of the few guests that Johnny just let perform zany comedy from the guest seat, while he watched and laughed. Brooks delivered each time.

I honestly didn’t get him humor at first when he appeared on The Tonight Show, or even his short films on the first season of SNL. What impressed me was that this offbeat guy was living with Linda Ronstadt.

Brooks’ parents, like Reiner’s, were show business performers. Brooks’ dad was a comedian and actor, his mother a singer, who gave up her career to raise a family. Brooks paid tribute to his own mother in Mother, as a recognition of how much his mother gave up to be a stay-at-home mom.

In Defending My Life, Brooks talks about each of his written/directed films (including Defending Your Life) and how he drew from his own life for subject matter.

An interesting tidbit: Brooks was offered to be the host of Saturday Night Live when it was being conceived. Brooks turned it down and suggested there be different hosts each week. He did agree to contribute six short films during the first season.

Real Life the first mockumentary, released in 1975, five years ahead of Reiner’s This is Spinal Tap, Brooks enjoys pointing out to his friend Reiner.

Comedians and other filmmakers love his films, as do a lot of critics. Brooks never made blockbusters, although he starred in a few as an actor. He’s best remembered for the whiny, insecure newsman, who does not get the woman he loves in Broadcast News. In that film he’s most remembered for his profuse sweating on live television.

The conversation between Reiner and Brooks is witty and amusing, and the clips from his stand-up routines are zany. Brooks admits he was unconventional; trying out his routines on TV before being road-tested. Who does that?

Defending My Life is an enjoyable look at Brooks’ long career and comedy in years past. You don’t have to be a hardcore Brooks fan to appreciate this film.

4.5/5