Description

The Producers - 2x DVD Special Edition | A Groundbreaking Satirical Black Comedy

Product Information

UPC: 5060049140711
Product Type: 2x DVD Special Edition
Genre: Satirical Black Comedy
Language: English
Audio Options: English (5.1)
Subtitles Available: English HOH (Hard of Hearing)
Region: 2 PAL DVD
Made In: EU
Playtime: 85 minutes

Overview

The Producers is a groundbreaking 1967 satirical black comedy film, written and directed by the legendary Mel Brooks in his feature film directorial debut. This audacious comedy stars Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock, a washed-up Broadway producer, and Gene Wilder as Leo Bloom, his timid and neurotic accountant. Together, they devise a seemingly foolproof plan to raise far more money than needed for a guaranteed Broadway flop, intending to pocket the difference when the show fails on opening night.

To ensure their production's failure, they choose the most offensive and tasteless script they can find—Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden—a musical celebration of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, penned by a deranged ex-Nazi named Franz Liebkind. However, their scheme backfires spectacularly when the audience misinterprets the show as a work of satirical genius, leading to an unexpected success.

The film unfolds through a series of escalating comic disasters, featuring absurd characters, outrageous performances, and a sharp lampooning of the theatrical world, Nazi glorification, and blind ambition. Despite being met with mixed reviews and controversy upon its release due to its taboo subject matter, The Producers has since gained widespread acclaim and cultivated a devoted cult following. Critics and audiences alike have come to appreciate its fearless, transgressive humor and its clever critique of show business and societal hypocrisy.

Key Themes

Satire and Irony: The film employs sharp satire to critique the absurdities of show business, societal norms, and the glorification of controversial historical figures.
Ambition and Failure: It explores the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of success and the ironic twists that can arise from their ambitions.
Transgressive Humor: The film challenges social taboos and confronts the audience with provocative themes, ultimately leading to a reflection on morality and artistic expression.

Interesting Facts

Academy Award Winner: The film won Mel Brooks the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, cementing his status as a pioneering comedic voice in cinema.
Cult Classic: Initially controversial, The Producers has developed a dedicated fan base and is often regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time.
Broadway Success: The film's enduring legacy led to a successful Broadway musical adaptation, which also received critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards.