Certifiably Jonathan (2007)

25% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(111 ratings)

Jonathan Winters, 85-year-old comic genius, is a gifted painter. He dreams of having his paintings hang in the Museum of Modern Art. When Jonathan's art exhibitions in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas fail, a discouraged Jonathan is ready to abandon his dream. The filmmakers decide to help by hunting… More Jonathan Winters, 85-year-old comic genius, is a gifted painter. He dreams of having his paintings hang in the Museum of Modern Art. When Jonathan's art exhibitions in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas fail, a discouraged Jonathan is ready to abandon his dream. The filmmakers decide to help by hunting down a famous critic and show him Jonathan's paintings. He believes Jonathan is "the missing link between Miro and Dali" and convinces the Museum of Modern Art to give Jonathan a show-but only if he paints three new paintings. Jonathan launches into a painting frenzy but disaster strikes when his favorite painting is stolen, causing him to lose his sense of humor (He claims that a witch doctor trapped him in a bathroom and sucked the humor from his body.) Without his sense of humor Jonathan cannot paint. About to lose his big show, Jonathan tries everything to get back his humor. With the help of a shrink, a new age healer, a séance with the Arquettes, Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, Howie Mandel, Nora Dunn, Ryan Stiles, Gary Owens and others, Jonathan sets out on a quest to get his mojo back.--© Official Site

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 19 min.
Directed By: Jim Pasternak
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 11, 2011 Limited

Critic Reviews

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
For a movie literally about "finding the funny," it's ironic that director Jim Pasternak too rarely does in his fitfully lively but mostly awkward mockumentary "Certifiably Jonathan."
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Jonathan Winters is a fine and funny fellow, and deserves better than this.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Fortunately, Winters' legendary inventiveness as a comedian has not diminished with the years.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Observing his subject both on and off medication (Mr. Winters says he is bipolar), Mr. Pasternak has produced a film that feels depressingly exploitative.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Faux documentary about the legendary comedian squanders the rich potential of its subject.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Winters deserves better.
Joseph Jon Lanthier, Slant Magazine
Jim Pasternak's documentary is a sophisticated appreciation of Winters as an unsung multi-talent.
David Noh, Film Journal International
There's a trove of laughs to be found here, courtesy of the ineffable Jonathan Winters, which somewhat override the labored mockumentary gimmick.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A whimsical documentary about the elderly comedian Jonathan Winters and his quest to have his paintings exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art.
Nathan Rabin, AV Club
Would seem inconsequential under any circumstances, but feels especially threadbare coming on the heels of Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work.
Elvis Mitchell, Movieline
It's got a great subject -- the extraordinarily voluble comedian Jonathan Winters, whose constant rush of words can be like a blizzard: beautiful, maddening, exhausting and finally beautiful again. But it's not a great film.