Without You I'm Nothing

Sandra's off-the-cuff remark that "my father is a proctologist and my mother is an abstract artist: that's how I see the world" is an early warning of her often scatological, often surrealist commentaries on the conventions and pop culture of our time. The wild musical interludes, broken up by deadpan monologues, and hilariously backhanded commentary by her fictionized former agent and an old "friend", will never be forgotten by any viewer, whether fan or not.

In this earlier incarnation, Sandra was the foremost artist of emotional abjection. A character who encounters rejection and misunderstanding everywhere, yet one whom the viewer soon identifies as easily the most intelligent person in the room. It is neither her religion nor her sexuality which marginalize her, but the particular pitch of her wit and her kaleidescopic view of cultural phenomena.

Sandra's scatter-shot talents range from singing to dancing to acting to writing, but, as this film demonstrates, the sum of her brilliance is greater than any one (though also brilliant!) part.

Sandra is a national treasure who might just change and even save your life. She is tragi-comedy incarnate. Support her artistic productions: as a one-of-a-kind artist, she is certainly an endanged species.

My introduction to Sandra Bernhard, the ultimate sage of our times, came when I went to see "Without You I'm Nothing" in the movie theater when it was first released. I knew nothing about her and was blown away by her wit and insight into American culture. I have never been in a movie audience that laughed as hard and as often than when I saw this film. Sandra has that uncanny ability to be at once hilariously funny and deeply moving. Her stage performances are brilliant and "Without You I'm Nothing" captures her brilliance in an innovative and creative way - this film is not simply a multi-camera shoot of a stage performance, but utilizes fiction, documentary and stage elements all at once.

I saw this film in a Dallas theatre with about 5 other people in the place.I was not familiar with Ms. Bernhart's work and for the first 10 minutes I didnt know whether to laugh or feel sorry for this crazed person.Then the brillience of her humor slowly took control and I was laughing uncontrolably.Have since seen her live 3 times and rent the movie whenever I can find it.This is definatly not everyones cup of tea but if you find yourself on the same wavelengh as Sandra you will have a very good time watching this film.

Sandra Bernhard talent shines in Without You I am Nothing. Into today's world of cookie cutter film actors, Bernhard reminds us what real talent looks like.

Scenes resemble a comedy routine in a smoky bar. Sandra is very much herself in this video.