Netflix Spotlights Queer Stand-Up in ‘Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution’ Trailer
The history of queer stand-up comedy is at the center of the first trailer for Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, the first feature-length documentary on the subject. The documentary, out via Netflix on June 18, was written and directed by Page Hurwitz.
The clip showcases the vibe of the film, which combines interviews, memorable stand-up performances, archival materials, and verité footage featuring top LGBTQ+ comedians like Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Eddie Izzard, Fortune Feimster, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen, and Trixie Mattel.
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“All kinds of comedy is accepted now,” O’Donnell says in the trailer. “I never thought it would be possible in my lifetime.” She adds, “When I was a young comic you had to be careful what you did and who you talked to and who knew.”
The film’s synopsis notes, “The documentary considers the importance of LGBTQ+ stand up as a driver of social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values. Ultimately, the film reveals that queer comedians — whether they intended to or not — helped change the world, one joke at a time.”
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7 and will debut on Netflix on June 13. Hurwitz helms Push It Productions alongside Sykes and previously directed several comedy specials, including Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready and Cristela Alonzo: Middle Classy.
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