Howard Stern's Private Parts

From The Pit...

Howard Stern. The admittedly self proclaimed ‘King of ALL Media’. Let’s take a closer look at this title he burdens himself with. Probably the most popular radio personality of all time. The most popular radio show in America that obliterates all competition. The fastest selling autobiography of all time. The biggest book signings in history. The highest grossing pay per view event in history. What’s left’ Movies maybe’ Well, sit back COCO Howard’s new film and it’s soundtrack have gone to #1 and are getting the boy new respect and new fans as well.

The film ‘Private Parts’ is loosely based on Howard’s book of the same name which documented his rise in radio from the bottom to the top. The movie is well written by Len Blum and well directed by Betty Thomas. The acting is just as strong. Who better to play Howard than Howard himself’ (In an earlier version of the film Jeff Goldblum was slated to play Stern). Howard not only plays himself competently but he’s brought along his whole radio team. Robin Quivers, Stern’s sidekick and engineer Fred Norris are the most prominently featured of Stern’s radio cronies in the film. Writer Jackie ‘Jokeman’ Martling and producer Gary Dell’Abate are there too, but sort of lurking in the background. Once again, who better to play someone than that person themself’ This almost gives the impression that you are actually seeing a slice of life and not just a film. Quivers shines as Howard’s trusted right hand woman and Norris is brilliantly understated with only a few but nonetheless effective lines in the film (‘Hey Man--free booze!’).

Stern’s wife Alison is played by t.v. actress Mary McCormack. She fits in well with the rest of the crew, also playing her role a bit understated. It is through this role that we see the human side of Stern, the way he is off the air. This film as a whole is Stern’s admission that his radio show is an act to a point. What he does is talks about real things with real people in a real way. He has confidence and control on the radio that he sometimes seems to feel that he lacks in everyday life off the air. He failed as a disc jockey spinning records, but hit home as an obnoxious guy spouting off his mouth.

We get a glimpse into Stern’s childhood and see a shy but creative kid who’s constantly called a ‘moron’ by his father. When they ask him what he wants to do after high school, he says quietly ‘be on the radio’. His father exclaims ‘how can you be on the radio’ You never talk!’ Nonetheless, Stern goes to Boston University and majors in communications and graduates Magna Cum Laude. He does well in school, but not so well with the ladies until he meets Alison, his future wife. Here begins the glue that will hold Stern together through thick and thin. Alison stays by Stern’s side and travels with him from station to station supporting despite his temptations and constant airing of their private lives on his radio show.

Stern argues that he has to be open and honest with his audience and tell them everything, even about the miscarriage Alison has. Alison wants at least some privacy in life.

Stern is very humble about the film and the great reviews it has been getting across the board. He has said that he did it for his father and that it is really a love story about him and his wife. Stern has been respectful and sedate on the talk show circuit lately, trying to promote a new image and get people to give the film a chance. Stern doesn’t seem to be in it just for the money either. He turned down several scripts and it actually took four years to make the film, from idea to book to the screen. Stern also turned down a proposal to release a second soundtrack after the first went to number one on the charts.

The soundtrack is hot as well. There are several funny bits from the film as well as strong musical turns by Rob Zombie (with Stern), Porno for Pyros, some of the Chili Peppers, Marilyn Manson and the Dust Brothers (also with Stern). Older tracks include ‘Pinhead’ from the Ramones, some Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, Van Halen and Ted Nugent.

One thing I’m wondering is how much they cut out of the film. I’ve seen a lot of publicity stills from scenes not in the finished film. Maybe there will be a director’s cut on video. Cutting to the chase, this is a funny movie, whether or not you like Howard Stern. I’ve always said that people who hate Howard have only heard him out of context. If you give him a chance you’ll like him. I didn’t used to like him but I gave him a chance. He’s the mouthpiece of America. Go see his movie. Give him a chance. If you don’t like it, CHANGE THE DIAL PINHEAD!