Seinfeld: How It Began

The documentary 'Seinfeld: How It Began' takes a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the hit television show 'Seinfeld', which went on to become one of the most influential and popular comedies of the 20th century. Narrated by Larry David, the show's co-creator and longtime collaborator with Jerry Seinfeld, the film delves into the troubled beginnings of the show that would come to define a generation's view of New York City, social relationships, and themselves. The documentary begins with an in-depth look at the lives of its stars. We see glimpses of Jason Alexander's early struggles as a young actor, often finding himself in comedic roles that were not quite as prominent as his iconic portrayal of George Costanza. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the talented actress behind Elaine Benes, talks about the long and arduous road to stardom. Her early struggles to find work and the various roles she auditioned for in an attempt to get her big break make for compelling viewing. We also get a look at Michael Richards, the quiet and reserved actor behind Kramer, who went on to surprise everyone with his raw talent and unforgettable on-screen presence. However, at the center of the documentary is the creative partnership between Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The duo's friendship and comedic synergy are undeniable, and their relationship served as the driving force behind the show's early success. Through extensive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, we are treated to an intimate look at the birth of 'Seinfeld', from its humble beginnings as a show called 'The Seinfeld Chronicles' to its eventual transformation into the global phenomenon we know today. Larry David's vision for a low-concept, highly observational comedy was initially met with skepticism by the network. The team was tasked with creating content that was more 'situation driven', rather than character-driven. It's this very dynamic that sets 'Seinfeld' apart from many of its contemporaries. This concept is perfectly encapsulated in the early days of show's production where they would often write episodes centered around a simple, mundane situation like a character trying to get a parking spot in front of their apartment building. One of the most captivating aspects of 'Seinfeld: How It Began' is the portrayal of the numerous cast changes and reworkings of the original pilot that ultimately resulted in its modern version. Larry David recounts the original pilot was rejected for failing to showcase a compelling narrative, a major departure from the later formula which instead focused on the characters and their quirks. We also get to witness the auditioning process for Jerry Seinfeld's character, which, according to the actor himself, took an astonishing 17 auditions to finally secure. As we delve deeper into the documentary, we're given access to a treasure trove of unseen footage from the early days of filming. The cast members and crew share stories about their time working together, revealing just how close they became during filming. Jason Alexander recounts an infamous incident where he fell ill during the shooting of a major episode and came close to being replaced, and Michael Richards shares stories of how he would improvise lines and create some of the show's most memorable moments. However, the documentary also explores the tensions that arose between Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. At the height of the show's success, the co-creators began to diverge in their creative vision, culminating in Larry David ultimately departing the show after the end of Season 7. The tension between the two creative forces is a fascinating subject that sheds light on the often complicated world of show development. 'Seinfeld: How It Began' is a documentary that is equal parts informative and entertaining. Through a masterful blend of behind-the-scenes footage, in-depth interviews, and cleverly crafted storytelling, we get to witness the unlikely journey of 'Seinfeld', a show that began life as a scrappy upstart with a unique vision and eventually grew into a global phenomenon. It not only celebrates the enduring legacy of the show but also showcases the perseverance and creative brilliance of its co-creators and cast, who, against all odds, brought to life a masterpiece that continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.