Private Parts (1997)

the leading man is my tpye

The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

When Howard Stern, the self-acclaimed "King of All Media", was promoting this film before its release (and even during its production), he said it was going to be a great film. He has never failed to tout himself, professionally, as a powerful force. On the other hand, he has always been self-deprecating on a personal level, saying he is inadequate in terms of sexual equipment, etc. This strange dichotomy is central, I believe, to Stern's appeal, both to women and men.The film follows his personal and professional lives, including his stops at small radio stations on the way to dominating the New York market. And again Stern is unafraid of looking the fool. This is a comedy and much of the comedy revolves around his self-deprecation.At the same time, he lampoons (always with humor) those he met along the way who predicted his failure. And those who tried to rein in his brand of irreverent and titillating humor. Paul Giamatti is both amazing and hilarious as the producer who fails to recognize the unstoppable force that Stern becomes.Robin Quivers, playing herself, is the one-in-a-million on-air companion who can channel Stern's efforts and lend an unexpected air of respectability to the proceedings. Not everyone will appreciate this film, but it will pleasantly surprise some people. Though it is not strictly the truth, it is no more improbable than the reality of Howard Stern's life.

there are many who will say "nay, nay" to sitting through a bio on shock jock (the original!) Stern...if said "demo" can contain their revulsion to bathroom humour on steroids, they will enjoy this movie. they will find a fair amount of disgusting "private part" area humour and this actually gives the movie some credibility! it's a little twisted...but sit back and enjoy an excellent job of acting by.....believe it or not , Howard and by actor Paul Giamiti (now, of course, being lauded for an amazing job as Brian Wilson's Doctor/Caregiver in "Love and Mercy".all Stern's on main air crew are featured..and not just in cameos..they have a lot of scenes! yes, finally a show biz biopic we can sit thru! I want to add that the timeline is handled beautifully, and the cinematography is wonderful. the run down, radio station shacks he suffered in...to the big time NY fully-fitted studios.

Private Parts (1997): Dir: Betty Thomas / Cast: Howard Stern, Robin Quivers, Mary McCormack, Paul Giamatti, Carol Alt: Intimate look at controversial radio personality Howard Stern and our commitment to listen. According to the film Stern wanted to be in radio since childhood inspiration of his father. It chronicles his childhood to college where he meets his wife, to small radio jobs. He is soon partnered with Robin Quivers and has bitter battles with station managers. Although it seems self gratifying the film is insightful despite Stern's questionable antics. The film takes its subject seriously as when he attempts to mend his marriage, and the miscarriage that led to unfavourable discussions on his show. Directed by Betty Thomas and easily one of the greatest achievements of her career. Stern is convincing in his self portrait blending reality and humour. Quivers plays herself in her loyalty with Stern as well as her struggle to maintain sane even at the cost of her job. Mary McCormack plays his supportive yet frustrated wife who would like to believe that her husband's on air rantings are just a joke. Paul Giamatti steal scenes as a station manager who falls victim to Stern's perseverance. Carol Alt makes a cameo as a woman reluctantly seated by Stern on a plane but eventually becomes won over. The film argues that there is an ordinary side to Stern that challenges viewers to look beyond the cover. Score: 9 / 10

Big fan since DC 101 days and the 'let it all out' format leads listeners to believe they have a clue about his life. I recall thinking this confidently until I read a very obscure clip in a Palm Springs newspaper that he was divorcing his first wife, wtf? He complained incessantly about his lack of privacy at home, his daughter demanding ice water before bed and things of that nature. However, every married man has marital complaints and the topic did make good radio fodder, especially for the lovelorn, henpecked demographic.I enjoyed this film immensely as the characters were played mostly by themselves with surprising ability. I had no idea that Howard was so handsome during this timeframe as well as gorgeous Robin.I appreciate one man's victory to overcome the staid radio format and share more personal information with various ostracized groups. I have never met a porn star and found it fascinating to hear their life adventures. Same with many of the wild, zany characters that littered his program daily.My biggest disappointment of the script is that it did not portray how he treats his assistants with great disdain. I never found that entertaining, but this aspect is an integral part of his show. I know Howard expects perfection but pays poorly and takes advantage of those who are competent. My only real complaint about his persona. He invites all into a secret world of misfits, outcasts, and miscreants that otherwise would have no voice. I applaud his effort to mainstream the outliers of society and attempt to humanize them. I was extremely shocked and saddened that he remarried, albeit to a beautiful, gracious model, that made the major theme of this film fall flat. He started therapy with the famous Dr. Sarno which relies heavily on expressing your deepest emotions and suppressed rage. I believe this is what precipitated his need to live a different life.I did not follow his program to satellite radio and have missed his crazy antics but after so many years of the same shock jock tactics, now with the F word, I am bored.If you were ever a fan of the show this is a delightful Horatio Alger like tale with caveats. Be prepared for blunt discussions on sex and variant behavior. I felt Mary McCormacks role was so underplayed and mousy. Her voice barely registered and her lines were spoken so quickly like a scared cat. Her beauty carried the role but did not suffice to play against such a hard boiled character like Howard. Most likely intentional direction by Thomas as every scene is dubbed with construction noise or traffic, extremely annoying! The FCC story was never mentioned when Howard, supportive of the war post 9/11 (his most memorable broadcast fyi), takes a turn to defile the leaders decisions and suddenly licensing issues prevail.This film was a delightful surprise in that it portrayed the radio persona well with insight into the personal realm. High Recommend!