Julia Scotti: Funny That Way - getting to do the things she always wanted as the person she always was

REVIEW by Drew Rowsome

27 May 2021 - photos supplied by publicist

That vaguely condescending statement by Howie Mandel, made when Julia Scotti casually came out as trans on America's Got Talent, launched a comeback. Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a documentation of that comeback and of Scotti's history, both comedic and trans. The two are inextricably linked with Scotti stating that she has become her true self through transitioning, but also insisting that being a comedian is in her blood. We see many samples from her stand-up sets and most of them are quite entertaining. She has a way with a line, a set-up and a visual gag, but above all she is simply charming. Possessing that elusive charisma that elevates a comedian above the pack. And being trans gives her lots of material and a hook.

In the late '80s and early '90s, Julia Scotti was Rick Scotti. From New Jersey, Rick Scotti rose to not only be an opener for many stars but also Showtime's "Comedian of the Year." That trophy is a sight gag that almost upstages Julia Scotti. Rick Scotti describes himself as "the goofy uncle you avoid at the wedding" and the samples of his stand-up uphold that view. He is a non-descript schtickster giving off the scent of desperation. Typical late '80s stand-up. Transitioning, despite losing a couple of decades of work, turned out to be a good career move. Julia Scotti now bills herself as "the crazy old lady of comedy," and seems much more relaxed and in control on stage. 

But Scotti also gave up a lot to become her true self. The film focusses on her children, a son who also works in comedy and a daughter who loves stand-up, who Scotti was estranged from for 14 years. We also hear from Scotti's third wife who she was married to through the transition. It was not easy despite the glib jokes that Scotti throws into her act: "It wasn't planned. I went in for a tonsillectomy and there was a deal. Groupon." At a "comedian's breakfast" where she mentors younger comedians (most seemingly friends of her son who, in a heartbreaking scene, she helpfully and gently critiques after his spectacularly unsuccessful set) a black comedian shares war stories. He talks of performing in rural hick towns where you aren't allowed to have a political agenda, you want to get invited back for another gig and you have to "make this audience laugh so they don't come after you with torches and pitchforks."

Scotti is a wonderful screen presence and the only flash of anger or political commentary is dealt with in an animated format (as is a hoary joke that should have been cut). She is a sweet old lady who becomes even more vulnerable in a third act twist after America's Got Talent puts her back into contention as a headliner. She jokes about being happy alone except for her cat, who she assures the audience is not "like that." Of course society always accepts LGBTers the most when they are not visibly sexually active so are non-threatening. Regardless, Julia Scotti: Funny That Way makes one overjoyed that Scotti is performing in the mainstream and not just at PFLAG meetings or for LGBTQ audiences. As her son says, "She is getting to do the things she always wanted as the person she always was."

While Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a consistent delight with heart-tugging detours, there is one intriguing scene that has gained resonance due to events since filming. We have seen the way that Julia Scotti has recycled not only some of Rick Scotti's mannerisms and style of delivery, but also some of his material. Then we see the material that can't be recycled. Scotti and her son watch some old footage of Rick Scotti's act. First up is mainly mimed bit about "A Day in the Life of a Diaphragm." It is squirm-inducing and Scotti remarks that "I was a hack." A few homophobic jokes are even worse,  followed by a flat-out transphobic routine. It is devastating to watch. But Scotti rallies and notes tearfully that "I was working through issues." It sheds a whole new light on every comedian protesting woke culture, or cancel culture, and their right to make racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc, jokes.