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Comic Genius: Portraits of Funny People
This star-studded tribute to the kings and queens of comedy draws together such legendary names as Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, and many more. Granted extraordinary access, photographer Matt Hoyle has captured his subjects in portraits that are works of art in themselves—by turns zany and deadpan, laugh-out-loud and contemplative. Accompanying them are first-person reflections from each of the comedians on life and laughter that always cut straight to the heart of it's funny because it's true. Page after sidesplitting page in Comic Genius offers prose as engaging as each portrait is memorable. Here, in one handsome package, is the gift of laughter itself. Comic Genius is proud to support Save The Children.
204 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 21, 2020
The photographs collected in this book are outstanding - as is the number and breadth of comedians who signed on to this endeavor.
Sure, there are some people missing, but geez - credit Matt Hoyle for getting as many as he did, and setting up fantastic shots that captured something of the comedian's personality and comedic genius.
He's got comedians from every generation - Mel Brooks, Tommy Smothers, Chevy Chase, Tim Allen, John Cleese, Tracy Morgan, Conan, Adam Sandler, Steve Carrell, Sarah Silverman, Andy Samberg, Tina Fey...
He's got comic giants along with some of the brilliant, yet esoteric fare.
He's got different styles: Dick Van Dyke is very different from Ricky Gervais. Todd Packer (I mean, David Koecher) is quite different from Bette Midler.
Speaking of which, there were quite a few people in here I didn't know. Call me crazy, but the only thing I knew about Bette Midler was "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and "The Rose." And, while I've sometimes heard people making fun of those songs -for instance, I just read the book If I Stay, where they pick on The Wind Beneath My Wings - I wouldn't call those songs "funny."
I also found out that Rhys Darby (who I LOVED in Flight of the Conchords created an 8-part mockumentary called Short Poppies which aired on Television New Zealand. Yeah, I'll be checking that out.
This is one of those books that I've showed to a lot of people, because most people like comedy every now and again. Or have at some point in their past. Everybody knows somebody who has loved Arrested Development, so with pictures of Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, and David Cross - you can't go wrong. Maybe you don't. Maybe you only know people who like Joan Rivers. Or Eddie Murphy. Well, they're in here too.
A couple last thoughts: this is a photography book. So if you're looking for a couple chapters by Mel Brooks, you should probably pick up The 2000 Year Old Man.
Also, like I said, I don't think there are any omissions in this book. Hoyle said he had a wishlist, and some of the comedians couldn't or wouldn't make it. Also, a lot of great comedians are dead. Yeah, I said it. So lets not hold that against Hoyle in the reviews.
...Ok... Honestly though, in the back of my mind, I like to think there was one honest-to-goodness, intentional omission: Larry the Cableguy. And that makes me smile a little bit.
Here's to you, David Cross. (David's letter to Larry.)
Sure, there are some people missing, but geez - credit Matt Hoyle for getting as many as he did, and setting up fantastic shots that captured something of the comedian's personality and comedic genius.
He's got comedians from every generation - Mel Brooks, Tommy Smothers, Chevy Chase, Tim Allen, John Cleese, Tracy Morgan, Conan, Adam Sandler, Steve Carrell, Sarah Silverman, Andy Samberg, Tina Fey...
He's got comic giants along with some of the brilliant, yet esoteric fare.
He's got different styles: Dick Van Dyke is very different from Ricky Gervais. Todd Packer (I mean, David Koecher) is quite different from Bette Midler.
Speaking of which, there were quite a few people in here I didn't know. Call me crazy, but the only thing I knew about Bette Midler was "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and "The Rose." And, while I've sometimes heard people making fun of those songs -for instance, I just read the book If I Stay, where they pick on The Wind Beneath My Wings - I wouldn't call those songs "funny."
I also found out that Rhys Darby (who I LOVED in Flight of the Conchords created an 8-part mockumentary called Short Poppies which aired on Television New Zealand. Yeah, I'll be checking that out.
This is one of those books that I've showed to a lot of people, because most people like comedy every now and again. Or have at some point in their past. Everybody knows somebody who has loved Arrested Development, so with pictures of Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, and David Cross - you can't go wrong. Maybe you don't. Maybe you only know people who like Joan Rivers. Or Eddie Murphy. Well, they're in here too.
A couple last thoughts: this is a photography book. So if you're looking for a couple chapters by Mel Brooks, you should probably pick up The 2000 Year Old Man.
Also, like I said, I don't think there are any omissions in this book. Hoyle said he had a wishlist, and some of the comedians couldn't or wouldn't make it. Also, a lot of great comedians are dead. Yeah, I said it. So lets not hold that against Hoyle in the reviews.
...Ok... Honestly though, in the back of my mind, I like to think there was one honest-to-goodness, intentional omission: Larry the Cableguy. And that makes me smile a little bit.
Here's to you, David Cross. (David's letter to Larry.)
October 14, 2020
I guess I don't get the point? It's OK. The photos are nice. The photographer certainly managed to convince a lot of interesting comedic talents to participate...but then he didn't really do that much with them or give any insight as to why he chose to photograph each person as he did. It's basically a coffee-table book, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't do more than just look pretty. Why these comics? What do they have to say about their genius? Or why does he feel they are genius? Something? Anything?
November 2, 2013
This is a gem of a book. Big on heart and humor, "Comic Genius: Portraits of Funny" offers fascinating insights into the comic mind. Matt Hoyle offers us witty, psychologically complex portraits of our favorite funny people. This is a book you'll want to own... and will cherish.
October 11, 2014
Doesn't count as 'reading', but still wonderful.
May 21, 2021
As an aspiring photographer, I took much inspiration from this collection. I try to envision some of the thought processes that went into each shoot. Why is Tim Allen holding a plethora of keys? Why is Jane Lynch coughing up feathers? Why is John Oliver being attacked by birds? I also admire the decision to make many of the selections tragically comic (or comically tragic): Jackie Mason's shirt with an iron burn, Billy Crystal's leaky pen, Bob Newhart's ineffective security guard, Jim Carey's fractured mirror... After the first read-through, my favorite photo is Kathy Griffin; I *love* the creativity of it, while the first Jason Bateman shot might be the most perfect shot for the individual chosen. I reserve the right to change these opinions.
The only reason I don't give this book five stars is because, as a photographer, I would have loved to have the specs for each shot somewhere in the book: ISO, aperture, flash... Other than that, it's a beautiful collection
The only reason I don't give this book five stars is because, as a photographer, I would have loved to have the specs for each shot somewhere in the book: ISO, aperture, flash... Other than that, it's a beautiful collection
October 1, 2020
Reflections and lessons learned:
Sat looking out over a rainy city I thought ‘I’ll just have a quick look at some of the entries”, which then turned into swallowing the whole book in one quick sitting! Several standout images including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Fred Willard and Jerry Stiller. Gorgeous alternative reflections of characters and personalities not always fully understood for who they are.
Sat looking out over a rainy city I thought ‘I’ll just have a quick look at some of the entries”, which then turned into swallowing the whole book in one quick sitting! Several standout images including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Fred Willard and Jerry Stiller. Gorgeous alternative reflections of characters and personalities not always fully understood for who they are.
February 2, 2017
Such a clever idea! Comic photos of famous comedians, some with funny quotes as well. There are also mini-biographies of each person at the end of the book. Sadly, some of them are no longer with us: Jonathan Winters, Joan Rivers, Bobcat Goldthwait, and everyone's favorite, Robin Williams. Nice to see them once more.
September 7, 2020
I read this in one sitting while not doing homework. It was utterly ridiculous and delightful.
January 5, 2014
An interesting concept -- This photographer made a wish list, and according to him, this is 125 portraits of the biggest names in the funny business, from the earliest comedy pioneers to the stars making us laugh today. Most are just photos, but there are some photos with quotes, as well.
In my opinion (and this just goes to show why this sort of thing is totally and completely subjective), there are glaring omissions -- Bill Cosby and Rich Little (from the still alive column) and lots of other rich comediennes who are no longer with us (of course, it would be difficult to get these people to sit before a camera, -- LOL!) -- Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, John Ritter, and Laurel & Hardy, to name just a few.
Time Conway! Was Tim Conway in there? I don't remember seeing him. Another comic genius, who is still with us!
Jonathan Winters was included, but I assume this is because Hoyle was able to get his photo before he passed away.
Still, an interesting look at who Hoyle did select -- some are truly comedy icons -- Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Eddie Murphy, George Lopez, Jerry Stiller, Martin Short, The Smothers Brothers, etc.
Also, in the way of selection, there are some that I would not consider to be a comedienne, but with good writing, they can be funny -- Neil Patrick Harris, Bette Midler, etc.
Somewhat disappointing.
In my opinion (and this just goes to show why this sort of thing is totally and completely subjective), there are glaring omissions -- Bill Cosby and Rich Little (from the still alive column) and lots of other rich comediennes who are no longer with us (of course, it would be difficult to get these people to sit before a camera, -- LOL!) -- Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, John Ritter, and Laurel & Hardy, to name just a few.
Time Conway! Was Tim Conway in there? I don't remember seeing him. Another comic genius, who is still with us!
Jonathan Winters was included, but I assume this is because Hoyle was able to get his photo before he passed away.
Still, an interesting look at who Hoyle did select -- some are truly comedy icons -- Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Eddie Murphy, George Lopez, Jerry Stiller, Martin Short, The Smothers Brothers, etc.
Also, in the way of selection, there are some that I would not consider to be a comedienne, but with good writing, they can be funny -- Neil Patrick Harris, Bette Midler, etc.
Somewhat disappointing.
June 21, 2014
Not exactly what I was expecting, but interesting nonetheless. The phrase "portraits of funny people" should be taken literally, this is basically a picture book. Many famous comedians have a picture, some two. They look funny in their pictures but none of the pictures were funny enough to make me laugh out loud. There are a few jokes, all short and fairly funny. Towards the end there are brief descriptions of the comedians and their careers.
A quick read with some useful information. But the information may leave you wanting more, and there are lots of great comedians that weren't included.
A quick read with some useful information. But the information may leave you wanting more, and there are lots of great comedians that weren't included.
February 8, 2014
Such a beautiful book!
February 12, 2014
Some really amazing pictures here - and some soundbites and quotes - from a veritable who's who of comedy past and present. And also Rhys Darby.
May 19, 2014
The tidbits attached to the pictures were almost funnier than the images at times. good for a quick laugh
January 11, 2015
I bought this because Mel Brooks was mentioned in co-writing. Book only featured one tiny poem from him. The "tribute" to other comedians are also very watered down and disappointing.
June 19, 2014
Seth Godin recommended this book and it is VERY funny. I keep it on the coffee table to share.
January 7, 2015
Cute book, I think it would make a nice coffee table book for comedy nerds. Also a good source of ideas for your social media profile pictures.
March 5, 2015
Cute book. More of a coffee table book than I like.
January 16, 2016
Amazing photography book, made me laugh for its creative and funny pictures of comedians besides the hilarious and thought-provoking Quotes .I really enjoyed it :)
April 3, 2016
Awesome photos! Some great quotes! Put me in a good mood :)
Enjoyment: 4/5
Beauty: 5/5
Meaningfulness: It's comedy.
Enjoyment: 4/5
Beauty: 5/5
Meaningfulness: It's comedy.
May 4, 2016
I only wish that there were more pictures.
May 18, 2016
Fantastic. Very clever and and funny.
July 20, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyable.
December 29, 2016
Amazing photographs of the funniest people. Though the pictures say it all, I also loved their quotes about comedy and life. 4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews