I thought this doc was really good. Parts of it were funny, some made you think on a more serious plateau. I hate using heartwarming, but it really was a good film. The film kind of let you into the stories surrounding his life, certain things that have molded him into who he is. I think anybody that gets a chance to go see it should. Granted, there are times that it gets kind of tedious, it brings you back in fairly quickly. ANyone who is a fan of his works, or just would like some insight into a good actor and an equally great person, they should watch this. The greatest thing about this movie is that it's setting is so intimate, you feel like he is just talking to you. Anyone that sees that will agree.
8 Reviews
If you liked Swimming to Cambodia and My Dinner with Andre
NJtoTX20 March 2005
Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party is another of the rare series of opportunities to listen to a master storyteller. Director, cameraman, and friend of Stephen's, Robert Brinkmann, knows that this will be a tough sell to distributors. Yet it shouldn't.
Imagine attending a party where there is one guy who's had such an unusual life and been thrown into amazing life situations (such as having a gun to his head in a 7-11 for close to an hour while SWAT teams gathered outside). Not only that, the guy can tell the story and move his body as if he's back there. You become privileged to be a listener. That's what happens in ST's Birthday Party. The most fun is when he tells about the list he faxed in to Buzz magazine to demonstrate why he is one of the 100 "coolest people," such as being honored by monks in Thailand by being beaten with sticks.
There are a few liberties taken with the party itself. It took several days to film. Some of the younger friends attending are Robert's, not Steven's friends. Several takes were filmed a few times, but the first take always was the one used. And, well, it wasn't actually Steven's birthday. But the stories are all true. And the dolphins that showed up while they filmed at the beach actually did show up then.
Unfortunately for me, there was one young blonde guest whom I could not take my eyes off. I guess that comes with the territory of being at a very good party. You won't want to miss this one.
Imagine attending a party where there is one guy who's had such an unusual life and been thrown into amazing life situations (such as having a gun to his head in a 7-11 for close to an hour while SWAT teams gathered outside). Not only that, the guy can tell the story and move his body as if he's back there. You become privileged to be a listener. That's what happens in ST's Birthday Party. The most fun is when he tells about the list he faxed in to Buzz magazine to demonstrate why he is one of the 100 "coolest people," such as being honored by monks in Thailand by being beaten with sticks.
There are a few liberties taken with the party itself. It took several days to film. Some of the younger friends attending are Robert's, not Steven's friends. Several takes were filmed a few times, but the first take always was the one used. And, well, it wasn't actually Steven's birthday. But the stories are all true. And the dolphins that showed up while they filmed at the beach actually did show up then.
Unfortunately for me, there was one young blonde guest whom I could not take my eyes off. I guess that comes with the territory of being at a very good party. You won't want to miss this one.
An absolute joy!
brendastarr3 January 2006
I must admit I'm a sucker for a great raconteur. I truly enjoyed listening to Garrison Keillor and Jean Shepherd; they could hold my attention for days. But Stephen Tobolowsky's performance of his everyday stories in "Birthday Party" goes to the top my list.
The film creatively transitions from one true life tale to another, and you can't look away. Each narrative is more fascinating then its predecessor and makes you feel like you're sitting right there; at the party and Tobolowsky is telling the story just for you. It's the kind of movie you want to keep watching.
Be sure you see this film. I guarantee it'll make you laugh - and it might just also make you cry. That's the magic of an actor of Tobolowsky's stature. He can tell a great story; but best of all - he can make you feel.
Two thumbs up, Stephen. Fine Work!
The film creatively transitions from one true life tale to another, and you can't look away. Each narrative is more fascinating then its predecessor and makes you feel like you're sitting right there; at the party and Tobolowsky is telling the story just for you. It's the kind of movie you want to keep watching.
Be sure you see this film. I guarantee it'll make you laugh - and it might just also make you cry. That's the magic of an actor of Tobolowsky's stature. He can tell a great story; but best of all - he can make you feel.
Two thumbs up, Stephen. Fine Work!
There's nothing like a good story - and this one is packed full!
markQUEUE28 May 2005
This film was my personal favorite at the Jacksonville Film Festival. While it doesn't hit you with action or effects, the mental images painted through the words of Tobolowsky had me laughing one minute and with tears in my eyes the next.
Tobolowsky may be the best story-teller of which I've had the privilege of listening. We're invited into a dinner party on his birthday where he entertains us by sharing some of the things that he's encountered during his life. I'd find it hard to believe that there isn't a little something for everyone in this film. I really hope it gets picked up and released. This is one I would love to have in my collection.
Tobolowsky may be the best story-teller of which I've had the privilege of listening. We're invited into a dinner party on his birthday where he entertains us by sharing some of the things that he's encountered during his life. I'd find it hard to believe that there isn't a little something for everyone in this film. I really hope it gets picked up and released. This is one I would love to have in my collection.
ten stars by far
darlingapplaud20 March 2005
Think of Ewan McGregor/Albert Finney in Big Fish. Now take away the excessive fantasy element, but keep the pantomiming and underlying morals. That pretty much encompasses the tales of relatively unknown actor Stephen Tobolowsky.
The stories of his life are entertaining, to say the least. I went from hysterical laughter to choking back tears in a matter of seconds, how many storytellers can accomplish that without being cheesy or using false tactics?
I will admit that even i, who have been studying film and theatre for some time, did not recognize the name when i saw it in my SXSW brochure. I saw a poster on the wall of the Alamo draft house and thought "hey! i know that guy! it's Ned Ryerson!" So i thought i'd give it a chance.
The second the movie started i knew it would be fantastic, one of those that can possibly alter your view of the world or something. And by the time i left, i knew this movie would be one of those that i talk about to anyone willing to listen for weeks.
So in the words of Stephen Tobolowsky himself: "it's better than Spiderman 2!"
The stories of his life are entertaining, to say the least. I went from hysterical laughter to choking back tears in a matter of seconds, how many storytellers can accomplish that without being cheesy or using false tactics?
I will admit that even i, who have been studying film and theatre for some time, did not recognize the name when i saw it in my SXSW brochure. I saw a poster on the wall of the Alamo draft house and thought "hey! i know that guy! it's Ned Ryerson!" So i thought i'd give it a chance.
The second the movie started i knew it would be fantastic, one of those that can possibly alter your view of the world or something. And by the time i left, i knew this movie would be one of those that i talk about to anyone willing to listen for weeks.
So in the words of Stephen Tobolowsky himself: "it's better than Spiderman 2!"
Please more birthdays
safenoe6 December 2021
I remember ordering the DVD for this back in the oughts, and Stephen Tobolowsky has an underrated storytelling style that can entertain most folk around a dinner table. He almost stole Groundhog Day from Bill Murray and came incredibly close to stealing Basic Instinct from Michael Douglas.
An affecting, lovely film about a life well-lived
machinelanguage18 March 2005
Discovered this film yesterday at SXSW. It's funny, it's poignant, and very engaging. Reminiscent of MY DINNER WITH ANDRE and some of Spalding Grey's work, it's basically a series of unscripted monologues, stories form his life, delivered by this great character actor, as we follow him around on his birthday. It's not so much movie business memoir as it is the life story of an interesting guy with an interesting job.
Quietly, it's a film about mortality and the fragility of our place in the world. Stephen is a very accomplished storyteller, unpretentious and engaging. I left surprised at how affected I was. I hope this film gets a release... see it if it's near you.
Quietly, it's a film about mortality and the fragility of our place in the world. Stephen is a very accomplished storyteller, unpretentious and engaging. I left surprised at how affected I was. I hope this film gets a release... see it if it's near you.
Not Hollywood Babylon
fei-de-togrey5 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If you have an interest in Hollywood: see this movie. More over, if you have an interest in life: see this movie! A small and intimate gathering with a man ( spoiler alert) who has changed favorite beers from Budweiser to Heineken.
S.T. believes in birthday magic. He just happens to be an accomplished actor who tells a story with panache, who can make it happen himself. He's obviously gregarious and a listener as much as a speaker; but we get a night at home with Steven Tobolowsky, his wife, and friends, edited to show his skill as a master story teller. Seriously, Homer would have had a run for his money asked to compete against S.T. A master storyteller he is indeed. The eponymous birthday boy regales us, as his guests , with not a moment of mean spirit, not a scintilla of bitchiness, and keeps us riveted for the entire film. It's just a relaxed affair, with the family house as the set, yet you've not seen anything quite like this before. Watch out for appearances by WC Field's least favored co-stars in some delightful moments, too.In all: a delight.
S.T. believes in birthday magic. He just happens to be an accomplished actor who tells a story with panache, who can make it happen himself. He's obviously gregarious and a listener as much as a speaker; but we get a night at home with Steven Tobolowsky, his wife, and friends, edited to show his skill as a master story teller. Seriously, Homer would have had a run for his money asked to compete against S.T. A master storyteller he is indeed. The eponymous birthday boy regales us, as his guests , with not a moment of mean spirit, not a scintilla of bitchiness, and keeps us riveted for the entire film. It's just a relaxed affair, with the family house as the set, yet you've not seen anything quite like this before. Watch out for appearances by WC Field's least favored co-stars in some delightful moments, too.In all: a delight.
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