Heckler

Heckler is a 2007 documentary film about hecklers. The film begins with an examination of the means, methods, and motives of hecklers and their effect on live performances, particularly stand up comedy. A common observation by professional comics is that hecklers can be categorized in two groups: those who want to participate and sincerely believe they're helping the comedian, and those who intend to disrupt the comedian. Several male comedians suggest that female hecklers are often motivated by a desire to flirt with the performer. Subsequently, the film segues into a longer examination of film and music critics, including their effect on performers. The documentary suggests that most critics are motivated by frustrated artistic ambitions, and are no better than hecklers given that internet criticism has emboldened critics to engage in vicious personal attacks rather than critiques of artists' work. The film is hosted by actor/comedian Jamie Kennedy, who was inspired to create the movie after feeling wounded by the overwhelmingly negative reviews for his movie Son of the Mask (2005), some of which attacked Kennedy personally rather than reviewing the film. Interviewees include comedians Louie Anderson, Kathy Griffin, Bobby Slayton, Patton Oswalt, Joe Rogan, Arsenio Hall, Carrot Top, Maria Bamford and George Wallace; medical doctor Drew Pinsky; journalist Christopher Hitchens; political commentator Dennis Prager; directors Peter Guber, Joel Schumacher, George Lucas and Rob Zombie; and singer Jewel Kilcher. Heckler also includes footage of much-derided filmmaker Uwe Boll's boxing matches with several of his most vocal critics.