Released in 2020, the documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way takes audiences on a deeply personal journey through the life of Julia Scotti, a transgender comedian who transitioned later in life. Directed by Susan Sandler, this poignant and at times humorous film chronicles Julia's transformation from a successful comic in the 1980s to Rick Scotti, her former self, and back again to reclaim her true identity as Julia Scotti.
Before transitioning, Julia Scotti was known as Rick Scotti, a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy. In the late 1980s and early '90s, Rick’s career was on an upward trajectory, with notable performances at prestigious comedy clubs across the United States. He was often billed alongside heavyweights like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. Scotti's career in comedy was thriving, but something was amiss. As Scotti openly admits, she was living the “dream,” but deep down, she realized something wasn’t right. It wasn’t until age 47 that the truth emerged – Scotti's identity as a man no longer aligned with her authentic self. After years of inner conflict, she decided to begin the challenging journey of transitioning, which would radically change every aspect of her life.
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Julia’s journey toward self-discovery was not an easy one, particularly because it came with great personal sacrifices. After coming out, Scotti faced a significant amount of rejection from those closest to her, including family members, friends, and colleagues. Her comedy career, once full of promise, took a nosedive. The world she had built around her as Rick began to crumble, leaving her isolated. Julia’s relationship with her children, Dan and Emma, was among the most painful aspects of her transition. The separation lasted for 14 years, a period Julia describes as “always a sadness in my heart, every day without them.” Yet, despite the emotional toll, Scotti pressed on, determined to find herself. Her journey included a year of hormone treatments and, ultimately, surgery in Canada. As Julia humorously recalls, the experience of transitioning at an older age had its own peculiarities. Upon waking up from surgery, she joked, “I missed all the good stuff about being a young girl... By the time I woke up from surgery, I was in menopause.”
Despite the profound changes in her personal life, the world of stand-up comedy never let go of Julia Scotti. After completing her transition, she faced the daunting task of re-entering the comedy scene. Scotti began performing again at open mics, starting from scratch in a career that once seemed to have slipped away from her. But Scotti’s love for comedy was undeterred, and as the documentary reveals, her comedic voice matured into something uniquely her own. Rather than simply returning to her previous style of comedy, Scotti crafted new material that reflected her life as a transgender woman. Her comedy became more reflective, self-aware, and even more poignant, resonating deeply with audiences. The film also showcases a touching moment when Scotti revisits her old performances, reflecting on the homophobic and transphobic gags that were once part of her routine. These moments offer an honest look at how her comedy has evolved alongside her personal transformation.
Julia Scotti: Funny That Way isn't merely about one woman’s transition; it’s a portrait of a cultural renaissance, a rediscovery of self. The documentary doesn’t just focus on Scotti's journey as a transgender woman, but also on her return to the stand-up comedy world and the challenges she faced to rebuild her life, career, and family. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, animation, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the film paints a nuanced and captivating picture of Julia’s life. It’s not just a story of transition; it’s a story of reinvention, perseverance, and the pursuit of authenticity in the face of immense adversity.
Directed by Susan Sandler, the film benefits from a sensitive and thoughtful approach that respects Scotti's journey. Sandler, who is also a playwright and an experienced director, emphasizes the importance of approaching a story like Julia's with care, respect, and artistic integrity. In an interview, Sandler explained her commitment to portraying Julia’s story as authentically as possible. She noted that her shared background with Julia, both having been influenced by Jewish stand-up comedy legends like Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Lenny Bruce, and Joan Rivers, gave her a unique perspective on the intersection of identity and comedy. Sandler’s approach is artistically grounded, focusing on both the emotional depth of Julia's experiences and the humorous moments that arise from them. Julia Scotti’s wit and humor shine through in the film, with the documentary providing an honest but uplifting portrayal of the complex realities of being a transgender person in the entertainment world.
Julia’s While Funny That Way tells a familiar story of a transgender person’s journey toward self-realization, it stands apart due to the compelling and human way in which Julia Scotti's story is presented. The film is both universal and deeply personal, as Scotti’s experiences echo the challenges many transgender individuals face: coming to terms with one’s identity, the loss of family and friends, societal rejection, and the eventual reclamation of self. However, Funny That Way is not a clean-cut Hollywood story of overcoming adversity. It is a real, messy, and emotional depiction of the struggles and triumphs that characterize real life. Scotti's story, in particular, is one of resilience, reinvention, and healing. In the end, Julia Scotti emerges not just as a comedian, but as a triumphant figure of self-acceptance and personal growth.
One of the most significant aspects of Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is its contribution to transgender representation in film. While there have been many documentaries about transgender individuals and their personal journeys, Scotti's story provides a refreshing perspective. As a transgender comedian, Scotti brings humor and joy to the narrative, something that is often missing from many documentaries on gender transition. Her ability to laugh at herself, to find humor even in the most difficult moments, and to connect with audiences through her authenticity makes Funny That Way not just a documentary, but a powerful statement on the importance of self-expression and the healing power of comedy. Julia Scotti’s story is both individual and universal, speaking to anyone who has ever struggled to find their true self.
At its heart, Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a story of hope, reinvention, and love. The documentary explores the pain of Julia’s estrangement from her children and the joy of their eventual reconciliation. It shows the price she paid to become her authentic self, but it also highlights the fulfillment that comes from embracing who you truly are. The film offers a message of acceptance, not just for the transgender community, but for all people. It encourages audiences to embrace their true selves, regardless of the obstacles they face. Julia Scotti's journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent your life and find happiness in being true to who you are.
Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is more than just a documentary about a transgender comedian. It is a rich, emotional, and inspiring story of personal transformation, resilience, and the power of comedy to heal and connect people. Directed with sensitivity and insight by Susan Sandler, this documentary is an essential watch for anyone interested in the complexities of identity, the trials of transitioning later in life, and the uplifting power of laughter. Julia Scotti’s journey reminds us that the pursuit of authenticity is worth any sacrifice, and that laughter, even in the face of adversity, can lead to healing and self-acceptance. Whether you are familiar with her stand-up comedy or not, Funny That Way offers a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever had to find their way to becoming their true self.
Image credits: YouTube
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