Life Stinks is a 1991 film written, directed, and starring Mel Brooks. The film is a comedy that addresses the issue of homelessness and follows the misadventures of a billionaire who becomes homeless as part of a bet. 

Plot

The film's protagonist is Goddard Bolt (played by Mel Brooks), a heartless and greedy billionaire who owns a large real estate company. Bolt is known for his wealth and his lack of compassion for others. However, his life takes a turn when he makes a bet with a business rival that forces him to live on the streets of Los Angeles as a homeless person for a month, without the use of his money or his identity.

Bolt accepts the challenge and finds himself having to survive in the most difficult conditions. During his time as a homeless person, he meets Molly (played by Lesley Ann Warren), a fellow homeless individual who helps him survive and teaches him to see the world from a different perspective. Bolt begins to witness the suffering and desperation of homeless life and commits himself to do good for them.

The film explores themes of empathy, compassion, and solidarity as Bolt struggles to survive on the streets of Los Angeles and tries to make a difference in the lives of the homeless. Mel Brooks' comedy offers both humorous moments and more serious reflections on the human condition.

Director: Mel Brooks

Writers: Mel Brooks, Rudy De Luca, and Steve Haberman

Producers: Mel Brooks and Stuart Cornfeld

Music: John Morris

Cinematographer: Steven Poster

Main Cast:

• Mel Brooks as Goddard Bolt
• Lesley Ann Warren as Molly
• Jeffrey Tambor as Vance Crasswell Jr.
• Stuart Pankin as Pritchard
• Howard Morris as Sailor
• Rudy De Luca as Little Louie
• Teddy Wilson as Fumes
• Billy Barty as Willy

Major Awards: The film did not win major Oscars but was appreciated for Mel Brooks' comedy.

Box Office Gross: The film collected approximately $4,000,000 at the box office.

Critical Reception: The film blends humor with more serious themes related to poverty and societal indifference. Although it did not win major Oscars, the film was appreciated for Mel Brooks' comedy and its heartfelt message about human solidarity. However, it achieved a modest box office result.