Religulous follows political humorist and author Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher,” “Politically Incorrect”) as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion.
Known for his astute analytical skills, irreverent wit and commitment to never pulling a punch, Maher brings his characteristic honesty to an unusual spiritual journey. Directed by Larry Charles (“Borat,” Curb Your Enthusiasm), Religulous marks Charles first feature project since the critically acclaimed, wildly successful “Borat.”
Jonah Smith and Palmer West of Thousand Words (A Scanner Darkly,” “Requiem for a Dream”) and Bill Maher are producing.
Bill Maher Says
Since starting on Politically Incorrect, in 1993, it has been my pleasure over the last decade and a half to make organized religion one of my favorite targets. I often explained to people, I dont need to make fun of religion, it makes fun of itself. And, then I go ahead and make fun of it too, just for laughs.
With religious fanatics like George Bush and Osama bin Laden now taking over the world, it seemed to me in recent years that this issue — this cause of debunking the man behind the curtain — needed to have a larger, more insistent and focused forum than late night television. I wanted to make a documentary, and I wanted it to be funny. In fact, since there is nothing more ridiculous than the ancient mythological stories that live on as todays religions, this movie would try to be a real knee slapper. Unless, of course, youre religious, then you might not like it.
Who could I get to direct me on such an epic quest In reality, there was only one man, and his name is Larry Charles. I hope that together we fulfilled that quest. Which really isnt that hard, considering that comedically speaking, the topic of religion is pretty much hitting the side of a barn.
As a comedian, religion has always interested me — it was the single easiest subject to make jokes about. I think that tells us something: comedians look for things that dont make sense, that are illogical.
Even as a young comedian, routines I did that got the biggest laughs and got me invited back on the Tonight Show were the religious ones — like the one about being half Catholic and half Jewish and bringing a lawyer into confession: Bless me father for I have sinned — and I think you know Mr. Cohen . . .
Politics is a rich area, but even politicians, although they promise some ridiculous stuff, dont approach the level of, for example, the Mormon practice of promising couples a planet to rule over in the after life if they have a really good marriage on earth. They give you a planet — kinda like when someone gives you a certificate that says a star has been named after you — except here, they really give you the star!
Join me in the final battle between intelligence and stupidity that will decide the future of humanity. Coming soon to a house of false idols near you.