Comedian (2002)

The closest thing to a manual for stand-up. It follows Jerry Seinfeld as he relaunches his stand-up career with brand-new material, bombing and rebuilding in small clubs like anyone else, while newcomer Orny Adams chases late-night spots and a sitcom deal. The pairing is the point. One comic has every advantage and still struggles to make five minutes work; the other has hunger and not much else. Anyone who has tried an open mic will recognize the notebook-scribbling and the silent drive home.