VIMooZ

DIRECTOR(S): Michelle Esrick

GENRE: Documentary Film

SYNOPSIS: You probably know Darrell Hammond as Saturday Night Live’s man of impeccable impressions. From Bill Clinton to Donald Trump to a raunchy Sean Connery, Hammond’s seemingly limitless range of impersonations made him SNL’s go-to opener for a record 14 seasons. What you probably don’t know is that his facility for mimicry was honed from a very young age to distract and defend against his horribly abusive mother. Cracked Up is an incredibly courageous and intimate portrait of a man coming to terms with the lasting effects of his childhood trauma. Even at the peak of his SNL career, Hammond’s mental health was rapidly deteriorating. Thankfully, as compassionately captured by director Michelle Esrick (Saint Misbehavin’, TCFF 2009), one doctor is able to isolate the key to unlocking Hammond’s past, ultimately leading him toward a path of redemption. This is a special “work in progress” screening exclusive to the Traverse City Film Festival. Be the first to see the film and provide valuable feedback to the filmmakers.