Cracking Up

In his offbeat, self-aware feature debut Cracking Up, Matt Mitler presents a portrait of Danny Gold, a desperate, attention-hungry performance artist stumbling through a labyrinth of career missteps, ego trips, and personal implosions on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The film, which Mitler wrote, directed, and starred in, plays out like a fevered, postmodern take on the fall of a wannabe star, an exuberant collision of biting satire, performance art, and low-budget absurdity. The film opens with a ludicrously funny skit where Danny, in his bid for authenticity, impersonates Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront, only to be mocked by a clueless onlooker who insists he’s doing it “all wrong.” It sets the tone for what follows: a series of episodes where Danny’s delusions of grandeur clash with the stupidity and apathy of the world around him. His encounters with inept magazine reporters, baffling industry execs, and a host of clueless strangers in the streets mirror the film’s central theme — the futility of seeking validation in a society that is too consumed with its own ignorance.

Mitler's Danny is a caustic, volatile antihero whose charm quickly dissolves into irritability and self-sabotage. From screwing up an audition to getting high while impersonating Sammy Davis Jr., Danny’s manic path to nowhere becomes both darkly comic and painfully real. His only tether to reality seems to be a nurse (played by Camryn Manheim) who inexplicably falls for his brand of manic self-destruction. Despite its deeply cynical take on fame and ego, Cracking Up isn’t entirely without heart. Its most striking moments come when Mitler lets his absurdist tendencies take flight. His impersonation of Robert De Niro impersonating Henny Youngman is an oddball highlight — a perfect example of the film’s irreverence. But while Mitler’s raw performance is captivating in its abrasiveness, the film’s overall disjointedness can be a challenge. It’s a movie that feels like an extended improvisation, where the chaotic energy of the downtown New York scene pulses through every scene, but without a clear narrative or emotional anchor.

Mitler’s film also benefits from its time-capsule quality, offering a glimpse into the gritty performance art spaces and raw urban energy of 1990s Manhattan. The city is alive in the film’s visuals, from impromptu performances in Washington Square Park to the dingy clubs and apartments where Danny’s downward spiral unfolds. Cracking Up is as much a portrait of an era of grubby artistic rebellion and manic, ego-driven self-destruction as it is a character study. In the end, Cracking Up is a fascinatingly abrasive, unapologetically chaotic exploration of fame’s underbelly, filled with oddball performances and a jaded perspective on the artistic struggle. It’s a film that may alienate more than it engages, but for those willing to dive into its disorienting world, it offers a glimpse into a nightmarish, irreverent moment in independent cinema; and a raw, often uncomfortable reflection on the fragile nature of one's self.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray
Cracking Up performs its way to Blu-ray via Art Label and OCN Distribution. The sole disc is housed inside a hard, clear plastic case. There is a 1-page mini-movie poster of the film with the Director's comments on the backside. The double-sided artwork features a couple of images. One is the alternate movie poster capturing a man screaming. The reverse side is a blown-up image of three people from the movie.

Art Label’s new Blu-ray release of Cracking Up offers a director-approved 4K restoration from the original 16mm negatives, giving the low-budget 1994 film a much-needed visual upgrade. The 1080p HD transfer brings bolder colors and sharper detail, though some inherent video issues remain, reflecting the film’s gritty, guerrilla-style roots. This imperfect but fitting presentation adds to the raw energy of the New York-infused dark comedy and absurdist horror at its core. As a bonus, the release also includes a black-and-white version, approved by Mark Traver, providing an intriguing alternative take on this chaotic, manic film. For fans of downtown ’90s indie cinema, this restoration delivers a satisfying, if rough-edged, experience.

The DTS-HD 2.0 audio track on Cracking Up effectively complements its manic energy and chaotic narrative. The sound design captures the frenetic pulse of New York City, from the bustling street noise to the wacky characters and their absurd interactions. Dialogue comes through clean and clear, allowing the film’s rapid-fire exchanges and comedic moments to land without issue. Sound effects, like the sounds of cars, stage performances, and the occasional scream, add to the immersive atmosphere, enhancing the film's raw, gritty vibe. Overall, the audio does a solid job of supporting the film’s energetic, offbeat tone.

There are about 73 minutes of extras, most of which include short films, standup comedy, or behind-the-scenes from Mitler. There is a segment with new interviews, a new commentary track with cast and crew, and a black-and-white version of the film. That's a hefty bit for a film that most people haven't heard of.

• Audio Commentary with Matt Mitler, Ted LoRusso, Carolyn McDermott, and Arthur Rose
• Backing Up: Looking Back at Cracking Up
• Brand New Black and White Version of the Film
• Intro to Black and White Version
• Deleted Scenes
• Honesty Laundry Detergent Commerical
• Raw Footage With Optional Commentary
• Three Live Sketches
• Live Performance of Mitler's Shindlerfella from 1995
• Trailers
• Mini Poster with Director Comments

Matt Mitler’s Cracking Up is a wild ride through the surreal, chaotic streets of ’90s New York, perfect for twisted theatre actors and fans of avant-garde comedy. Its offbeat humor and strange artistic expression will likely appeal to those familiar with the downtown scene, but others may find its eccentricity too much to digest. The new 1080p HD transfer looks sharp, and the inclusion of a brand-new black-and-white version offers a fresh perspective. The DTS-HD 2.0 audio track does a solid job supporting the film’s frantic energy. Bonus features will delight die-hard fans, but this release is definitely for fans only; a must-see for those who appreciate its unique, off-the-wall vibe.