Ellen DeGeneres: The Beginning (2000) (TV)

Director:

Joel Gallen

Writer:

Ellen DeGeneres (writer)

Release Date:

23 July 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Comedienne | Character Name In Title

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins

Cast

Ellen DeGeneres

...

Herself

Runtime:

66 min

Country:

USA

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Beacon Theater - 2124 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Quotes:

Ellen DeGeneres: There are things that must be said! And I'm going to say them! For instance, do we really need a 1-800 number on the back of a shampoo bottle?
Ellen DeGeneres: That's right, I said it!
Ellen DeGeneres: [pretending to be reading the back of a shampoo bottle] Rinse and repeat, but how many times?
Ellen DeGeneres: The thing is, if you need to call the 800 number, you can't read anyway!The only thing more pathetic than someone having to call the 800 number on the back of a shampoo bottle is the person who works at the 800 number!
Ellen DeGeneres: [holding her hand up to her ear as if it's a phone] ... It's about the size of a quarter in the palm of your hand... yeah, and rinse and repeat... You're welcome. That's my job... Buh-bye.
[...]

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Heroes of Comedy: Women on Top" (2003)

Good Standup Work

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.