Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt

Drew Friedman is as among our favorite working artists, crafting eerily lifelike faces that leap off a page in all their warted glory; he is also a highly opinionated cultural sponge deeply schooled in odd nooks of showbiz, particularly old-school American comedy. Over the years, we have been thrilled to feature his work in the Lowbrow Reader. Also thrilling? The opportunity to view Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt, Kevin Dougherty’s finely wrought documentary about the artist. The movie, which has screened at Film Forum and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, is now available to watch from one’s very own couch.

Dougherty’s lively film has everything you might desire in a Friedman documentary, including a flow of art popping up on screen, funny talking head testimonials, and, especially, tales from the raconteur subject himself. (It also may be the first time the Lowbrow Reader has been mentioned in a movie—will the Spaceballs sequel follow suit?) Now that the wild World Series is over, return thee to your TV! Screen Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt—via Amazon, Apple, and other such benevolent companies—and marvel at its wit and wisdom!