Fosse’s lacerating yet compassionate depiction of uncompromising and controversial stand-up comedian Lenny Bruce’s 1950s/1960s odyssey through the Catskills, nightclubs, and the courts (on obscenity charges) was Oscar-nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay (Julian Barry, from his Broadway play), Best Cinematography (Bruce Surtees, in black and white), and Best Actor and Actress (Dustin Hoffman and Valerie Perrine as Lenny and wife Honey).

With Lenny Bruce’s beats and Dustin Hoffman’s intensity set to Bob Fosse’s kinetic energy, Lenny pushes the biopic to enrapturing, dizzying heights of black-and-white electricity. I first saw this on a big screen with classic-film fans and would recommend the same for those seeking a crisp, heady, experience. –Diana, front of house staff