"Eddie Izzard: Believe"

07 Oct 2009

LA TIMES REVIEW

'Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story' goes inside the character and the man

Sarah Townsend's comprehensive documentary uses home movies, interviews and performance footage to sketch a heartfelt portrait of the comedian-actor and the early tragedy that still drives him.

Sarah Townsend's "Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story" illuminates the life and career of the protean, gender-bending comedian-actor through an astonishing collection of footage. Beginning with home movies from Izzard's childhood, the film moves through years of performances on the street and in small clubs to a triumphant West End debut, at which time he declared himself a transvestite, to his international acclaim as a stand-up comic and as a stage and screen actor.

This fine documentary, understandably years in the making, commences with Izzard's humiliating experience in being accused of using old material in a new show and unfolds as he launches a British workshop tour of his 2003 comeback, "Sexie," as a prelude to a world tour that culminated later that year in London's vast Wembley Arena, where he played before 44,000 fans over four days. Townsend's extensive interviews with Izzard backstage and elsewhere frame the performance footage as well as encounters and reminisces with friends, colleagues and fans.

Izzard spent his early childhood in a pleasant Belfast suburb, his happiness cut short by the death of his mother. Later, he was thrown out of Sheffield University because he was so obsessed with performing in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. For years, Izzard was sustained by iron-willed determination.

He is a short, chunky, rugged man, and when he assumes drag he goes for androgyny. It's a look he finds comfortable, and it also frees him from gender in the wide-ranging commentary that underlies his comic sense of the absurd. His easy, unapologetic acceptance of his onstage transvestism allows his audiences to respond in kind. Only once has he been physically attacked, in a Cambridge street, and he stood his ground in the ensuing fight. Although the film implies that Izzard is heterosexual, it does not delve into his private life. Townsend saves her most poignant moment for near the end, when Izzard, reflecting upon his mother, says, "Everything I do is trying to get her back."

-- Kevin Thomas "Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story." MPAA rating: Unrated. Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes.

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Comments

(showing 72 comments)

Will it be released in Europe? Any chance seeing it in Hungary? Or maybe on DVD?

06 Oct 2009 - 16:09 BST

PLEASE consider showing film elsewhere in USA, like Texas perhaps? We here in Austin absolutely ADORE Eddie and would love to see this film. I'm certain either the Paramount Theater and/or the Alamo Drafthouse folks would be more than happy to screen this locally, even if just for a one-time-showing :)

06 Oct 2009 - 23:11 BST

Love Eddie. Love everything he does. Hope to see this on DVD as I can't make it to the LA or NY shows. Best of luck for excellent reviews (inevitable) and an enormous turnout for a magical talent! -Linda

06 Oct 2009 - 23:47 BST

looks brilliant... know it will be brilliant hope it finds it way to Ohio, as I am sure lots of us hope it finds it's way near

07 Oct 2009 - 04:51 BST

Please screen it in Boston.

07 Oct 2009 - 05:16 BST

screen it in Turkey pls. There is your fans heree too...

07 Oct 2009 - 12:34 BST

Please consider showing film all over the U.S. I'm in minneapolis, MN and would LOVE to see it!

07 Oct 2009 - 15:23 BST

Please consider showing the film all over the US. I would LOVE to see it!

07 Oct 2009 - 15:26 BST

Not to be missed? Hope that also holds for people in Europe, especially Munich Germany, we want to see it toooo :).

07 Oct 2009 - 15:26 BST

Philadelphia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07 Oct 2009 - 16:08 BST

I, too, wish it could be screened in other US cities.

07 Oct 2009 - 17:04 BST

Please, when can we see it in Sweden?

07 Oct 2009 - 17:16 BST

Please screen in San Francisco. Your fans out here would be lining up around the block to see this.

07 Oct 2009 - 17:16 BST

Consider coming to St.Louis,MO.We would travel to see it there so willingly. You had sold out (sniff/sniff) and we could not see you live. True, it would not be as good as the REAL thing...but it would suffice.

07 Oct 2009 - 19:11 BST

PLEASE OH PLEASE SHOW IT MUNICH! PPPPLLLEEEEEEZZZEEEE

07 Oct 2009 - 21:45 BST

When will this be released in the U.S. nationwide?

07 Oct 2009 - 21:49 BST

Yes, we'd also like it released in San Diego and in Chico; both in California. Please make sure to do so! Thanks ever so much! :-)

08 Oct 2009 - 00:12 BST

Well, then...I'd like to put my 2 cents worth in to promote the Raleigh/Durham area in No. Carolina. Durham has a lovely, NEW performing arts center! :-)

08 Oct 2009 - 02:14 BST

I would love to see it released on DVD also since I cant make LA or NY. Sounds very inspirational and we all can use some inspiration these days!

08 Oct 2009 - 04:01 BST

I am one of a large number of American Indian scholars who ADORE Eddie! Please Please Please Please Please Please arrange to have this film shown in OKLAHOMA!!! We LOVE YOU EDDIE!

08 Oct 2009 - 23:01 BST

Wow...Eddie Izzard, I am not just a fan but a gal who thinks you are the most talented, smart, funny, captivating, and last but not least, adorable. This all comes from a grandma who will be taking her grandson to your show for the second time. Major Fans and cant wait to see Believe. Hope it is spread out to a few more theaters in the L.A./San Fernando Valley. See you Jan. 30th in L.A.and I'll be with my grandson.

10 Oct 2009 - 14:18 BST

Thanks,,,Eddie,,for your moving and creative presentation of the story of your life and what drives your talent. It is much appreciated that you gave us your time with the Q&A in LA,,,,Robin WIlliams was correct,,you are the " intelligent Americans" comedian,,,We well appreciate your humour!!! You are brilliant,,!!

10 Oct 2009 - 21:36 BST

Yo all! I'm a huge Eddie Izzard fan and I'm just wondering if Stripped can or is coming to Australia and also Believe looks fantastic please let it come to Australia even just on DVD. And please let it come to Stdney Australia because I don't won't tohave to travell.

12 Oct 2009 - 02:42 BST

Woops by Stdney I ment Sydney and I ment to put have to just to clear up my grammer mistakes.

12 Oct 2009 - 02:44 BST

It's really beautiful to see the evolution of a master. The film is so heartwarming. As if Eddie needed to seem any more accessible!? I hope it does get released to DVD. It would be such a disservice to the many fans who aren't in the cities where it is playing. And of course many of us would like to add it to our ever growing Eddie collections. Looking forward to Stripped, Too. BTW, he's looking so buff in the sequences at the end that features footage of his charity running from this summer.

12 Oct 2009 - 04:25 BST

Please have a screening here in Georgia/Atlanta area. We love you as much as LA and NY. With all of the devastation from recent floods, we need you Eddie to inspire us to "turn tragedy to laughter..."

13 Oct 2009 - 03:43 BST

I'd love to hear this, his story that he posted on the original site was so interesting :) plus i think he's a man that has sort of done everything that people say 'oh...no...dont do that...because...its bad?' about and went welll...im going to, so you can shove it up your arse! Not only that, but he's done a cracking job of it :) x

13 Oct 2009 - 20:00 BST

If someone who has seen Eddie Izzard Believe could rate it that would be great. Out of ten what would it be given?

14 Oct 2009 - 00:14 BST

Hello! Even though I'm heading to NYC from Boston to see this movie on Sunday, I would love to see it locally. I already have my tix for January.... I'm psyched!

14 Oct 2009 - 03:41 BST

Any chance you could release down here in New Zealand (Wellington specifically)? I used to live in California where I got to see you somewhat frequently. I miss being able to see you here.

14 Oct 2009 - 06:57 BST

pleasepleaseplease bring it to Mobile AL --- or anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line -- I'll find a way to get there!! Surely I am not the only fan down here!

14 Oct 2009 - 22:01 BST

How about a showing in Bellingham, WA? Ok...I understand. It may be too small of a venue. Then maybe Vancouver, BC? Heck, we'll even drive the 2 hours to Seattle to see it. BTW, loved you on Conan yesterday..you looked fabulous!

15 Oct 2009 - 07:24 BST

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b

Please release on DVD soon or around the US. Would love to see it in NC.

15 Oct 2009 - 17:29 BST

While you're at it, bring it to Mississippi as well.

17 Oct 2009 - 05:25 BST

Please screen and perform in Miami, Florida....

17 Oct 2009 - 07:13 BST

Please screen in Gainesville, Florida

18 Oct 2009 - 05:53 BST

Great interview on Jimmy Fallon. Can't wait to see the film whether it be here in ATL or on dvd. What about PPV same day as theaters like some IFC and Magnolia films???

18 Oct 2009 - 17:17 BST

Is Seattle going to be on the tour? We love Eddie here. His last show was fantastic. Still missing "The Riches". The longing for his mother is so poignant, and probably provides a great catalyst for his performances. Not to go all Oedipal, but the complex man that he is probably owes much to this need for approval...whatever it is, it comes out pure genius. Go, Eddie.

18 Oct 2009 - 23:50 BST

Eddie, having closure does not mean that you will ever forget about your mother and how much you loved her. Closure means, that you have released the pain/sadness and it no longer colors every choice you make in life. You have to go through the sadness and the hurt and the anger. You have to feel them, no matter how uncomfortable they make you feel. Once you go through all those emotions, they come in less frequently and eventually leave for good. I so thank you for your openess, because you have convinced me that I have to go into grief counseling...I *have* to be the best grief counselor out there and change how we handle death....because right now it's crap. it's the most frequent thing that happens to humans and the last thing we are allowed to talk about....and it never goes away. xoxox Steffer (Stefanie Petersen)

19 Oct 2009 - 20:53 BST

One last thing...when you were that age, your brain was not even fully developed to process greif/pain/trauma..and that's what's makes death of a parent at a young age grieving so unique and even so more powerful going through the process. So be easy on yourself. It's nothing you can "conquer"..it's a gentle process that has to be done, while you are still living your day to day life...and you can't judge it. You just let it flow through you. xxxo Steffer (Leg brace girl)

19 Oct 2009 - 20:58 BST

I missed it???!!! I thought the movie was here in LA till the end of the month. Oh, please give me another chance. I was a fool not to have gone first thing.

21 Oct 2009 - 01:05 BST

Eddie, please! We are wishing, hoping [who didn't love Dusty Springfield], and desperate for you to add some Atlanta shows to your 2010 US tour. Keep hope alive. It's all we have in Georgia. Hopefully yours, Kyile

21 Oct 2009 - 10:09 BST

Why, why WHY do I belong to this website when I don't get the alerts about what Eddie is doing??? I LIVE in Manhattan!!!!!!!!! I could have easily gone to the village east cinema! But I didn't know about it. Come on!!!!

24 Oct 2009 - 06:50 BST

As I received the DVD, I will let you know Orsi

24 Oct 2009 - 19:29 BST

please show in England!!! It will make so many very happy. Love everything Eddie does. cant waite to see him on tv again. :-)

25 Oct 2009 - 11:50 GMT

Any chance of us Eddie Fans in the UK being lucky enough to see it????

26 Oct 2009 - 21:58 GMT

Dear Eddie, After your fantastic exploits in running all those Marathons, would you like totake part in the best Half Marathon in the UK The Hastings Half Marathon -your home Event! It is on Sunday 21st March 2010. We also have our Prize Giving Evening on Sunday 2nd May at 7.p.m.,and if you are free, we would be honoured if you could present The Awards and Prizes Please. More info. go to www.hastings-half.co.uk or contact me to discuss at racedirector@hastings-half.co.uk Many thanks, and look forward to hearing from you. Take Care, Eric Hardwick MBE

30 Oct 2009 - 15:24 GMT

Will we get to see this in the UK???????????

31 Oct 2009 - 12:05 GMT

I just saw BELIEVE and was deeply moved. This is a great movie about the practice and psychological process it takes to become a great comedian/actor. I can't wait for a comedy skit on the absurdity of arresting a comedian for consumer fraud for not doing all original material. More than any other actor, Eddie continues to make new creations. And as a "consumer" of his art, I love the old as well as the prolific stream of the new. Can't wait to see his latest tour.

01 Nov 2009 - 14:41 GMT

Hey Eddie. I'm from Wolverhampton and live in Seattle. I have missed you the last 2 times you played in Seattle, due to work and of course your popularity...it was sold out in seconds! Anyway, very sad that you're not returning here or have anywhere scheduled yet. Come play with us! We'd love to have you!! xx

02 Nov 2009 - 01:49 GMT

Why is this documentary being screened in the USA first??? Do us british fans get to see it??????!

02 Nov 2009 - 11:14 GMT

Please show in the UK.....Ive been a fan of Eddie way before anyone in the US even knew who he was!

02 Nov 2009 - 11:15 GMT

Would love to see this across the US... or on DVD!

02 Nov 2009 - 21:38 GMT

Would love to see it in Atlanta!

03 Nov 2009 - 16:09 GMT

Bonjour, Est-ce que "Believe" sortira en DVD sous-titré en français ? (et en zone 2...) Même question pour "Live at Wembley 2009"... Merci.

05 Nov 2009 - 17:34 GMT

Felt very fortunate to catch the film in NYC on a trip there. Lots of amazing footage of his early career and great backstage footage of Eddie preparing to take the stage, all in all a great film!

09 Nov 2009 - 20:02 GMT

Hi, I'd like to add Philly too or maybe outside smaller venues surrounding Philly such as: The Trocadero(well, that's IN Philly, lol) Scottish Rite Theater in Collingswood, NJ Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA Ritz Theater in Philly (Bourse Ritz) Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater in Blackwood, NJ and any others. Cheers & good luck Eddie w/ this venture! Elizabeth

17 Nov 2009 - 00:01 GMT

NEW ORLEANS!!!! (((Love love love))))

25 Nov 2009 - 18:44 GMT

I have LOVED Eddie for several years now and would appreciate it if he could extend his tour to include Houston, TX. PLEEEEEZZZZEEEEE

29 Nov 2009 - 06:13 GMT

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tem

i really want to see this, it looks really good. its so annoying that i live in australia. i miss out on all of your tours and dvds; and now your movie.. argh. its not fair.

30 Nov 2009 - 03:41 GMT

See the end of this trailer for details of UK Cinema release and UK DVD Release scheduled for March 2010. Had a fun evening in Brighton, thanks to Eddie and ALL concerned with his show.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiMa_qC-G1o

30 Nov 2009 - 11:00 GMT

I just found out about it, but I can't seem to find any info of when it's showing. Is it already over in LA?

02 Dec 2009 - 10:05 GMT

Surely they'll show this in UK at some point? Pretty, pretty please? I would die if I didn't get to see this!

05 Dec 2009 - 13:27 GMT

See the end of this trailer for details of UK Cinema release and UK DVD Release scheduled for March 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiMa_qC-G1o

05 Dec 2009 - 15:08 GMT

what a phenomenal talent. i hope to have the pleasure of someday seeing 'BELIEVE'. I love you, texas loves you. colorado loves you too.

10 Dec 2009 - 19:46 GMT

Congrats, Eddie, on your documentary! I am tremendously excited about this and will be alerting my fellow fans, here in Cottonwood, asap! I'll be checking on dvd availability often, can't wait to see it! Also, thank you for taking a stand for your fans and against the scalpers and their outrageous "business practices!" All the best, James.

11 Dec 2009 - 00:07 GMT

Wish you would extend your tour to Florida. I have been a big fan for years! If you came this way, I would give you a tour of the real Florida!! Get your heels dirty!

12 Dec 2009 - 03:45 GMT

Every since my daughter showed me clips of Eddie Izzard on the net, I can't get enough! That was a couple of years ago and I now have four of the DVD's. I am always hungry for more. It would be amazing if we got to see Believe here in Sacramento, CA. Eddie, you are an artist, an angel. You make me laugh more than anything else in my life. Keep being the amazing man you are!

12 Dec 2009 - 06:49 GMT

Can it come to Atlanta?!

16 Dec 2009 - 17:39 GMT

Indianapolis. We're sooooo deprived of good things to see here. Pllleeeeease - send a copy to Indianapolis!

16 Dec 2009 - 18:26 GMT

I'll beg too. We want to see the film and you, Mr. Izzard, in Seattle some time soon. Okay, not necessarily at the same time...... PAAAALEEEEZZZZEEE!!!!!!! I'm down groveling on my two very bad knees here - Blessings!

02 Feb 2010 - 23:18 GMT

And what about France????

16 Feb 2010 - 22:29 GMT