Lily Tomlin: The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1992)

An Extremely Weak Version of the Live Masterpiece

The live production of Tomlin and Wagner's "Intelligent Life" in the mid 1980's was a masterpiece, a work of genius, a joy to behold, an exhausting and awe-inspiring theatrical experience. I saw it twice and was mesmerized.

What you experienced on the stage was an actress bringing a vast variety of characters and environments fully to life with no sets, no costume changes, stark lighting and minimal sound effects if any. Tomlin, through Wagner's brilliant script, brought everything to life just through the power of her words and movement. A truly amazing performance for which she deservedly won a Tony Award.

To bring this to the screen with sets, wigs, costumes and sound effect gags (rendered oh so cheaply) is a shock to the sensibilities of anyone who was fortunate enough to see the live version. The lack of an audience leaves Tomlin's performance flat at most points - the play now feels totally disjointed - the entire feel of the original is all but lost.

The obligatory DVD extras (why two discs?) are short and worthless beyond a couple of minutes of outtakes from a very early run through of the original - shot on what looks like sound synced 8MM - all neither funny or illuminating.

If you saw "Intelligent Life" live, avoid this disc at all costs or your cherished memory of the original may be heartily diminished. If you didn't, you may be left wondering what all the fuss and acclaim has been about for the past two decades. Read the play instead - as I said it's a masterpiece. Sadly the DVD is the opposite. April 2, 2008

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

It was much more successful in the theater than the way it is interpreted for the film September 2, 2007

Truly A Classic

I attended a live performance of this masterpiece starring Lily Tomlin many years ago at a theatre in Hollywood. Had no idea it was available as a DVD, but when I found it I ordered it immediately. Excellent addition to my collection, and it does capture the live part. May 13, 2007

Reality is nothing but a collective hunch....

It's amazing how Lily can hop between characters with complete ease. Trudy the bag lady dispenses amazing insights while wearing her wig inside-out. Two hookers (Brandy and Tina, both played by Lily) have a touching conversation with each other, end up meeting up with Trudy, and pass by Agnes Angst - a teen punk rocker at odds with the world. The video vignettes give meaning and life to Lily's amazingly developed characters and their activities. She must be in good shape because she never gets out of breath as Chrissy - a participant in an aerobics class who gives a non-stop monologue as she exercises.

It does get a bit long - but it's worth it. Very funny. Impressive. No wonder this was such an incredibly successful stage production. March 19, 2007

Lily Tomlin

Lily is such a Talent, but I think this program lost a lot by being on video instead of in person. November 5, 2006

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