With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DVD Review: I'm No Dummy
When it comes to ventriloquism, my knowledge is pretty hollow. The only bits I could throw off the top of my head are Charlie McCarthy and the Anthony Hopkins thriller Magic. Enter I'm No Dummy, filmmaker Bryan W. Simon's invigorating introduction to the world of venting (as performers dub it). The loving tribute documentary spotlights puppets, performers, vintage TV clips and even a guided tour of the world's only venting museum to trace the roots of this underrated art from vaudeville to contemporary acts.
I'm No Dummy presents ventriloquism as a complicated, controlled, and nuanced exercise. Headlining subjects Jeff Dunham (whose aptly-named The Jeff Dunham Show set Comedy Central records when it premiered), Jay Johnson (whose live show The Two and Only is the only venting act to claim a Tony) & Lynn Trefzger (a rare female venter, mistress of both college and kiddy cruise circuits) open the documentary with the nuts and bolts of the act with and without moving their lips. It becomes apparent that the physical element takes plenty of practice, but can be mastered. The creative challenge lies in crafting characters who are dynamic enough to capture an audience, but not so seductive as to overshadow the performer behind the puppet. It's certainly no issue for these vivid venters. While each claims a shy or impeded childhood, all shine with or without their characters.
Next, I'm No Dummy moves onto old school acts and the historical hurdles of remaining relevant and defining the art. Venters reminisce on how they tackled these challenges by shifting to children's audiences (and how this created a new stigma in the field), and grainy footage illustrates innovative acts pushing physical limitation, meta-textual dialogue, and frequent self-deprecation. Self-referential interactions with TV guests and advertisers predate post-modernism, while the sight of Spaniard Senor Wences blowing smoke rings through a painted hand borders on surreal. I'm No Dummy drives home the entrepreneurial aspect of early artists with peppered facts throughout, the most astonishing being that venting godfather Paul Winchell invented the disposable razor and artificial heart in his off hours!
While I'm No Dummy takes ventriloquism seriously, it's no wooden, talking head affair. It really is a joy to see venters from all over the globe give life to their colorful creations, be they the traditional boys in tuxedos, drunken camels, monkeys, or disembodied heads. The only time the doc plays dummy is when it sidesteps controversial figures like Dunham's "Achmed the Terrorist" puppet. There's also the issue of the uncanny valley that plagues many venting viewers. Admittedly, certain close-ups can be jarring, particularly the rows of dummies in the venting museum. Yet, the venters' passion humanizes their work, and deconstructing puppets does wonders to undo their spookiness. I'm No Dummy isn't interested in throwing the last word on ventriloquism; its only wish is to entertain while it educates, and it does so beautifully. To quote Senor Wences, "'Sok? 'Salright!"
Support for LAist comes from
The DVD keeps the charm coming. A deleted scene features Dunham and Skinny Dugan, an intricate vaudeville-era puppet he calls his Stradivarius, which in its heyday was able to light up its nose, drink and squirt liquids (apparently vaudeville puppets got as drunk as their patrons). Two panels from I'm No Dummy's premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival feature performers Johnson, Trefzger & Tom Ladshaw (a venting historian who brings Thelonious, a Planet of the Apes-inspired puppet) answering questions and improvising with their characters in front of a live audience. Jay mentions his joy at director Simon taking his act seriously, but the real treat is a magic moment at the end of the second panel. Lynn brings Chloe, a toddler character, and befriends a real toddler while signing autographs. It underscores a skilled venter's ability to transform a plush puppet into a real girl.
I'm No Dummy is available on DVD from Salient Media & Vivendi Entertainment. The Jeff Dunham Show is available on DVD May 18 from Comedy Central & Paramount. Dunham also makes his film debut in the upcoming comedy Dinner for Schmucks. Jay Johnson brings "The Two and Only" to the Laguna Playhouse June 11-13 & 18-20. Lynn Trefzger tours the East & Gulf Coasts for the foreseeable future.
Article by Edward Yerke-Robins
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead.
Best of LAist