‘CALL ME RUSSELL’ REVIEW
I’m a huge fan of Russell Peters. Should he ever read this review he would be happy to know I’m not a ‘filthy downloader’ and purchased every DVD he’s ever made. A few years ago, I saw him live as part of an anniversary present for my parents. What I loved the most about that show was his amazing ability to improvise.
However, what impressed me even more was his honest approach and humble delivery. Russell carried all of the endearing traits that made him a star into his book ‘Call Me Russell’. The book is all about his rise to become one of the biggest stand up comics in the world. Each chapter continues his journey from the streets of Brampton, Ontario to the lights of Hollywood. In between, you’re given a glimpse at what it was like to grow up surrounded by racial prejudice and how it influenced his career. Personally, I think it’s an amazing achievement to turn so many negative experiences into a brilliant career in comedy. ‘Call Me Russell’ is, above all else, about family and what’s important.
I have to admit, I was expecting more laughs from the book at first. That was before I realized that ‘Call Me Russell’ isn’t about delivering laughs on every page. It’s about the dedication it takes to realize your dreams. It’s that aspect that inspired me as a screenwriter. I know I’m going to write screenplays for the rest of my life and I will no doubt encounter challenges along the way. They are the same obstacles that people face in every single creative medium and Comedians are no exception. You must conquer the fear of rejection and failure. You have to summon the courage to put your creative voice out there and find out if an audience is ready to devour it. You have to keep working.
When faced with a crowd that didn’t respond to his act Russell writes:
“I remember walking backstage and I wanted to cry. My mouth went dry and I thought, This is it. My career’s over. Looking back on this moment, I’ve learned from my mistakes… Every fighter gets knocked down at some point… It teachers you to train more, to keep throwing punches and to always have your guard up.” (p138-139)
He continues by elaborating on the boxing metaphor:
“That show was my chin-check moment, and every comic needs one in their career to test what he or she’s made of.” (p139)
That attitude applies to everyone working their asses off everyday to realize their dreams. If you simply wait to be counted out you aren’t working hard enough. I already loved the book before I read those passages but ‘Call Me Russell’ really hit home after that. Reading those pages made me think about my own screenwriting journey. I couldn’t help but wonder if these years represent my struggle. Where will I be years from now if I allow myself to be defeated? Where will you be?
It’s terrifying to think about my life without screenwriting but I know deep down that will never happen because I’ll never stop working. I’ll never stop learning. I’ll never stop improving.
‘Call Me Russell’ is about a comic’s journey from small town clubs to selling out massive arenas around the world. Every single challenge he faced was met with an equally strong commitment to overcome it.
It was a fascinating journey to follow.
Now back to my own journey.
