Exporting Raymond (Philip Rosenthal, 2010): USA

Reviewed by William Barton. Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2011.

Philip Rosenthal, creator of the show Everybody Loves Raymond, documents his efforts to adapt Raymond for Russian audiences. In Russia, the television sitcom industry appears to work a little differently as Philip Rosenthal soon found out. As the great Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff might say, “You don’t adapt TV show for Russia, TV show for Russia adapts YOU!”

Philip Rosenthal has been touring the country going to various film festivals in order to promote his hilarious documentary Exporting Raymond. In late January, his film hit the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and had multiple jam-packed audiences laughing their asses off. In a Q&A session after his Sunday afternoon screening, Rosenthal stated that all of the reactions in the film were real. He brought two camera’s with him to Russia so he could capture all of the hilarity without having to recreate or reenact any moments.

Philip Rosenthal was asked to create a Russian version of the hit show Everybody Loves Raymond. He then flew to Russia and began his work. He learned the differences between the two cultures quickly but still couldn’t wrap his head around Russia’s idea of good television comedy. In a particular scene, Rosenthal learns that Russian audiences prefer style over substance and the film goes on a three minute montage/rampage of insane visuals while Brittney Spears’ “Toxic” plays at an inordinately loud level. Scenes like this show Rosenthal’s understanding of comedy and make for a fun film.

It’s hard to find a good documentary that is also a laugh fest, but it certainly can be done. Exporting Raymond seems like a mix between films Super Size Me and Borat, but the burgers and male nudity are replaced with vodka and Russian comedy writers. Exporting Raymond is the classic “fish out of water” story set in the industry of television comedy. Rosenthal’s not-so-subtle facial expressions in situations like when the “Head of Russian Television Comedy” mentions that he is also a laser specialist riddle each scene, making audiences laugh until their stomachs are sore.

Exporting Raymond is a great comedy and also seems very revealing of the Russian television industry. The fact that none of the shots in the film were recreated, meaning that all of the lines and reactions were real, adds another level of hilarity to this film. The film was a great watch. With an 86 minute run time, this film is not too long and not too short. Exporting Raymond is definitely a film worth watching. Although Rosenthal has said he turned down offers to adapt Everybody Loves Raymond for audiences in Poland and Cairo, I believe there is still hope to see an Exporting Raymond 2. Also, my sincerest apologies to those who had to read my rendition of a Yakov Smirnoff joke.