Ellen DeGeneres: The Beginning

7.4
2000 1 hr 6 min Comedy

Ellen shares her humorous observations on daily life, including remembering names, clothing, the need for approval, and making personal videos in this post-coming-out performance, fully acknowledges Ellen DeGeneres's status as America's most famous lesbian.

  • Cast:
    Ellen DeGeneres

Similar titles

Annie Hall
Annie Hall
New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall.
Annie Hall 1977
Dawn French Live: 30 Million Minutes
Dawn French Live: 30 Million Minutes
Dawn French's acclaimed one-woman show—on the story of her life.
Dawn French Live: 30 Million Minutes 2016
Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand
Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand
Summer 2003 and Bob Monkhouse entertains a room full of comedians with stand-up, chat and a comedy masterclass. It proved to be his final gig. The night became the stuff of legend among comedians, but was never transmitted until now.
Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand 2016
Chris Porter: Ugly and Angry
Chris Porter: Ugly and Angry
In this stand-up special filmed in Kansas City, comedian Chris Porter, an ex-finalist on "Last Comic Standing," delivers his takes on drugs, growing old, women's fashion and his love for Taco Bell.
Chris Porter: Ugly and Angry 2014
Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special
Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special
In his final comedy special, Norm Macdonald ponders casinos, cannibalism, living wills and why you have to be ready for whatever life throws your way, all done in front of a camera, without an audience, and in one take. After his set, Norm's friends and fellow comics gather to salute him.
Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special 2022
Man on the Moon
Man on the Moon
The story of the life and career of eccentric avant-garde comedian, Andy Kaufman.
Man on the Moon 1999

Reviews

Pluskylang
2000/07/23

Great Film overall

... more
Doomtomylo
2000/07/24

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

... more
Gurlyndrobb
2000/07/25

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

... more
Nicole
2000/07/26

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

... more
Robert W.
2000/07/27

I am (of course) a fan of Ellen's talk show and have seen her original sitcom once or twice as well as several of her hosting duties but I had never really seen her do her stand-up. If you too are a fan of hers then you know exactly what you're in for because with Ellen...what you see is truly what you get. Her incredibly unique talent for pointing out the obvious, using biting sarcasm, and an awkward sort of uncomfortability in certain situations makes us laugh at ourselves and at her. One thing Ellen has never been is a "shock" comedienne and it simply isn't necessary for her and wouldn't look right on her. That's why I was a little disappointed that she felt the need to throw in literally a sparse amount of curse words. I'm not a prude, language doesn't bother me in the least but I like when entertainment avoids it so that everyone can appreciate it. She uses it so little that it just would have been better without it. The very first thing she addresses is her "coming out" and does so in an emotionally charged and touching way that makes you smile like almost everything she does.I have never seen anyone who is just so inherently likable. She has such incredible chemistry and is so down to earth. Her style and her comedy and the way she speaks to people is simply a God given gift and you can see all that come out on stage. I don't find her uproariously funny necessarily, I didn't have tears streaming down my cheeks but she is just so great to watch. One of the best things about this video is at the end during the credits when we see audience members addressing her. It is sweet and touching and proves how instrumental she is in making people smile. She is a brilliant comedienne and this is a great special to check out. If you're not a fan of her show then watch her stand-up and you'll have to appreciate her talent and her ability to make people laugh. Not only that but I think she is one of the few professional comedians who is actually unique in her style. 8/10

... more
harry-76
2000/07/28

She has the conviction of Don Rickles, strength of Lily Tomlin, wit of Robin Williams and diction of Jane Fonda. It's Ellen DeGeneres, live, at the Beacon Theater--a real treat for those in the provinces who weren't able to make it to the Big Apple that fun night in 2000. Obviously the result of many years in the comic and talk show business, DeGeneres has the pulse of both the sophisticated and general public at bay. She delivers her humor with a kind of sincerity and unpretentiousness that really communicates. The Beacon audience obviously loves her, and responds with great enthusiasm. Ellen has the courage to touch on "touchy subjects" and "get away" with it through her ingratiating personality. This, her fifth comedy special, may be termed her best, and credit must be extended to fine, unobtrusive direction by Joel Gallen. As no one's credited as writer, it must be DeGeneres wrote her own material, as well as executive produced this fun filled event.

... more
tonte
2000/07/29

Ellen De Generes at her best. This is a must see for anyone into comedy. Timing is excellent and routines are brilliant. De Generes proves she still has what it takes to wow an audience. The opening dance sequence displays another side of De Generes to her fans. Don't miss this...

... more
nunculus
2000/07/30

Ellen DeGeneres seems like a very nice person. She may remind you of the most helpful woman at the food co-op or an extremely affable first-grade teacher. She is not, however, what we call real funny. Nor is she a very good joke-teller (her funny parenthetical asides are given GIANT CAPITAL LETTERS). Nor is she what we call especially interesting--her routine here resembles the attempts of a pleasant but not particularly bright person to make chitchatty conversation. Crunchy (but not gnarly) lesbians will have a warm smile. For everyone else, it's kind of like watching someone else's massage.

... more

Watch Free Now