The Last Laugh

Jewish people are renowned for their wry and often self-deprecating sense of humour. But while family, culture, religion and even anti-semitism are much visited territory for jokes, there is one place few Jewish comedians dare to tread – the Holocaust.

The Last Laugh is a documentary film by Ferne Pearlstein and Robert Edwards that explores Jewish humour and the implicit consensus that the Holocaust (and for some, any reference to Nazi Germany) is off limits. Using a compilation of movie and stage excerpts, historical footage and interviews with famous Jewish comedians, the narrative weighs the debate between taboo and freedom of speech, and asks whether something as horrific as the murder of six million Jews can ever be approached with humour.

The film features commentary from much referenced concentration camp survivor, Renee Firestone, as well as entertainers such as Mel Brooks, Sarah Silverman, Gilbert Gottfried, Judy Gold and many more. It’s a thought-provoking look at the jurisdiction of humour and the limits of offence. (RB)

★★★1/2

Screening at the Jewish Film Festival: Nov 23, 7pm (Closing Night). Event Cinemas Bondi, Lvl 8, Westfield, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction. $26-$29. Tickets & info: www.jiff.com.au