Detroit’s Love Affair with ‘Mad’ Magazine Comes to Life!
Detroit is buzzing with excitement as a new documentary titled “When We Went Mad! The Unauthorized Story of Mad Magazine” is set to premiere this Thursday at the iconic Redford Theatre. Created by filmmaker Alan Bernstein, this film dives deep into the legendary satire magazine that shaped the humor and perspectives of countless readers since its inception in 1952.
A Childhood Dream Becomes a Reality
For Bernstein, this film has been a labor of love over the past 16 years—a journey that began with a simple spark of curiosity. “When I was six years old, I first stumbled upon Mad magazine, and it just captivated me,” he reminisces. Little did he know back then that his childhood fascination would lead to a full-fledged documentary.
In the early stages of the project, Bernstein found himself waiting for someone else to create a film about Mad magazine. When that didn’t happen, he took the plunge himself. His first interview in 2008 was with a former Mad editor, and it all snowballed from there. Now, he recalls those days fondly: “The more I reached out to the people I wanted to interview, the more I sensed they were eager to share their stories,” he shared.
A Wild Ride Through Comedy History
The documentary offers a thrilling exploration of Mad’s rise to fame, peaking at an incredible 2.5 million subscribers in the early 1970s. Bernstein takes viewers on a rollercoaster journey, celebrating the magazine’s boldness in lampooning pop culture, politics, and almost everything in between during a time when such humor was rare.
With contributions from iconic figures like Weird Al Yankovic, Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, and even Quentin Tarantino, the documentary promises a treasure trove of insights into how Mad has shaped the comedic landscape in America. Narrated by the ever-funny Patrick Warburton, viewers can expect entertaining stories and reflections that are sure to resonate.
Challenges Along the Way
From funding to finding the right interviewees, Bernstein faced hurdles at every turn. Initially pouring his own savings into the project, he eventually launched a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013, which raised an impressive $58,000 to keep the dream alive. As he partnered with Adam Carolla’s Chassy Media, Bernstein secured interviews with some of the biggest names in comedy. Leonard recalls, “It wasn’t just about making a film; it was about honoring the ‘usual gang of idiots’ who made Mad what it was.”
A Lesson in Persistence
Bernstein learned a lot about himself while working on this documentary. “I discovered a persistence in me that I never knew was there,” he admits. With a passion that kept him going, he put aside momentary doubts and embraced the journey fully. “This wasn’t just a flight of fancy; it was a calling I needed to fulfill.”
The Premiere Event
For those eager to witness this homage to a comedic classic, the premiere at the Redford Theatre kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, located at 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit. With tickets priced at just $10, it’s a fantastic opportunity for fans of Mad magazine and comedy aficionados alike to dive into the stories that shaped their young imaginations.
“When We Went Mad” promises to be more than just a film; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the creativity, humor, and spirit of a magazine that stood the test of time. From its colorful pages to the witticisms that left a mark on so many, Mad magazine truly revolutionized the way we view satire and art in America. Don’t miss it!
