‘It Started As A Joke’
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll see Ira Glass blackout drunk. If that’s not enough reason to watch It Started As A Joke, here’s some more context: the documentary celebrates the final year of The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival — a satire that quickly morphed into a beloved tradition — and the life of the man behind it all. Nearly every famous comedian involved shows up, but Mirman is the real star. It Started As A Joke reveals his impact on the alternative comedy scene, but also gives a glimpse into Mirman’s relationship with his wife, Katie Westfall-Tharp, and her battle with terminal cancer. Both hilarious and heartbreaking, the documentary celebrates the final festival in Brooklyn with appearances from Mike Birbiglia, Janeane Garofolo and more, while Mirman uses comedy to grapple with the eventual loss of his wife.