The Nutty Professor (1963)

The Nutty Professor (1963) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

The Nutty Professor (1963) is a classic comedy film directed by and starring Jerry Lewis. Renowned for its innovative humor and Lewis’s remarkable performance in multiple roles, the film remains a standout in the genre. With its clever use of make-up and split personality humor, The Nutty Professor has earned its place in cinematic history. This review explores the film’s plot, its innovative aspects, and provides information on where you can stream or rent it online in the U.S.

Plot Overview

The Nutty Professor follows the story of Julius Kelp (Jerry Lewis), a socially awkward and bumbling professor of chemistry at a university. Julius is a kind-hearted but shy individual who struggles with his lack of confidence and his unremarkable appearance. Despite his academic brilliance, he is unable to make a significant impact socially or romantically.

The turning point in Julius’s life comes when he discovers a formula that transforms him into a suave, confident, and charming alter ego named Buddy Love. As Buddy, Julius gains popularity and self-assurance, becoming the life of the party and attracting the attention of his crush, Stella Purdy (Stella Stevens). However, Buddy Love’s transformation also brings about unforeseen consequences, as Julius finds himself grappling with the effects of his dual identity.

The film explores the comedic potential of the split personality theme, using it to highlight issues of self-esteem, identity, and social acceptance. The humorous contrast between the bumbling professor and his charismatic alter ego forms the core of the film’s comedy.

Jerry Lewis: A Dual Performance

Jerry Lewis’s performance in The Nutty Professor is a highlight of the film. Known for his physical comedy and inventive character work, Lewis shines as both Julius Kelp and Buddy Love.

• Julius Kelp: As the eponymous nutty professor, Lewis portrays Julius as a lovable but inept figure. His portrayal of Julius’s awkwardness and vulnerability is both humorous and sympathetic, allowing the audience to connect with the character’s struggles and aspirations.
• Buddy Love: In contrast, Lewis’s depiction of Buddy Love is characterized by charm, confidence, and a smooth demeanor. The transformation is achieved through a combination of make-up, voice modulation, and physical performance. Lewis’s ability to distinguish between the two characters through subtle changes in body language and demeanor showcases his versatility and comedic skill.

Lewis’s dual role in the film is a testament to his talent and creativity, as he seamlessly shifts between the two personas, delivering a performance that is both entertaining and memorable.

Innovative Humor and Make-Up

The Nutty Professor is notable for its innovative approach to comedy, particularly in its use of make-up and special effects to create the character of Buddy Love. The film’s transformation scenes were groundbreaking for their time, showcasing Jerry Lewis’s commitment to physical comedy and character transformation.

The make-up effects used to differentiate Julius Kelp from Buddy Love were achieved with the help of makeup artist Dan Striepeke. The transformation was a key element of the film’s comedic success, allowing Lewis to explore the contrasts between the two characters in a visually striking manner.

Additionally, the film employs clever comedic scenarios and gags that capitalize on Julius’s and Buddy’s contrasting personalities. The humor often arises from the absurdity of Julius’s attempts to navigate his new identity and the complications that ensue.

Themes: Identity, Confidence, and Self-Acceptance

The Nutty Professor explores several themes through its comedic narrative:

• Identity: The film delves into the concept of identity through Julius’s transformation into Buddy Love. It raises questions about how personal identity can be influenced by external factors and the impact of self-perception on one’s interactions with others.
• Confidence: Julius’s transformation highlights the importance of confidence in social and personal success. The film contrasts Julius’s lack of confidence with Buddy Love’s self-assured persona, illustrating how confidence can affect one’s social dynamics.
• Self-Acceptance: At its core, the film is about self-acceptance and the journey towards understanding and embracing one’s true self. Julius’s struggle to reconcile his two identities reflects the broader theme of accepting oneself and finding inner strength.

Critical Reception

The Nutty Professor received positive reviews upon its release and has since become a classic in the comedy genre. Critics praised Jerry Lewis’s performance and the film’s innovative approach to humor. The film holds a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers highlighting its charm, creativity, and Lewis’s comedic talent.

Critics appreciated the film’s ability to blend physical comedy with a heartfelt narrative. Lewis’s performance was particularly noted for its depth and range, showcasing his skill as both a comedian and actor.

While some reviewers pointed out that the film’s humor may feel dated to modern audiences, its creative approach and Lewis’s performance continue to resonate with fans of classic comedy.

Where to Watch The Nutty Professor Online in America

If you’re interested in watching The Nutty Professor, there are several options for streaming and rental in the U.S. Here’s where you can find the film:

Streaming Services

1. Amazon Prime Video: The Nutty Professor is available for streaming with an Amazon Prime membership. Subscribers can watch the film as part of their membership.

Rental and Purchase Options

1. Amazon Prime Video: You can rent The Nutty Professor for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. The film is available in SD, HD, and UHD formats.
2. Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99. It can be streamed on Android devices, Chromecast, and other compatible devices.
3. Apple iTunes: On iTunes, you can rent The Nutty Professor for $3.99 or buy it for $12.99. The film is accessible on all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
4. Vudu: Vudu offers the film for rental at $3.99 and for purchase at $12.99. It supports streaming on various devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
5. YouTube Movies: The Nutty Professor is available for rent on YouTube Movies for $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99. You can watch it on any device that supports YouTube.

Conclusion: Is The Nutty Professor Worth Watching?

The Nutty Professor (1963) is a classic comedy that remains notable for Jerry Lewis’s innovative performance and the film’s creative approach to humor. Its exploration of identity and self-acceptance, combined with Lewis’s dual-role performance, makes it a standout in the comedy genre.

While some of the humor may feel dated to contemporary audiences, the film’s charm, creativity, and Lewis’s exceptional comedic talent continue to make it a worthwhile watch. With several streaming and rental options available, The Nutty Professor is an entertaining and memorable film for fans of classic comedy.