Personally, comedy specials (particularly those from across the pond) are not my cup of tea, often trying too hard without really having a basis for a show (other than the jokes themselves).
"Inside" is both a great take on a year of lost time and a commentary on the toll it might have had on some people's mental states, interspersed with decent comedic songs and a real flair for the visual.
Having ascended from fledging internet comedian to a tour-de-force of stand up and (more recently) cinema, Burnham's comedy is fairly bleak but still modern. Having said this, "Inside" explores darker themes, centring on loneliness, depression and lethargy. Filmed in one room, Burnham's appearance and surroundings mirror his emotional state, deteriorating and increasingly claustrophobic.
The comedy, for me, takes a back seat to the palpable sense of isolation. Regardless, there are some strong skits within: a fake streaming playthrough, and an indie brand's press release are smart, refreshing pieces of comedy within a "stand-up" routine. Burnham does revert to some pretty linear comedic centres at points, but these are more stop gaps to fill the time.
With distinct Jim Carrey "Kidding" vibes, "Bo Burnham: Inside" is as smart a comedic special as you will find today, with laughs for all crowds and some great creative direction to boot. The deeper themes are there for those who want to explore further, and suggest that this 30-year-old comic has some serious ability when it comes to the finer art of televisual humour.
"Inside" is both a great take on a year of lost time and a commentary on the toll it might have had on some people's mental states, interspersed with decent comedic songs and a real flair for the visual.
Having ascended from fledging internet comedian to a tour-de-force of stand up and (more recently) cinema, Burnham's comedy is fairly bleak but still modern. Having said this, "Inside" explores darker themes, centring on loneliness, depression and lethargy. Filmed in one room, Burnham's appearance and surroundings mirror his emotional state, deteriorating and increasingly claustrophobic.
The comedy, for me, takes a back seat to the palpable sense of isolation. Regardless, there are some strong skits within: a fake streaming playthrough, and an indie brand's press release are smart, refreshing pieces of comedy within a "stand-up" routine. Burnham does revert to some pretty linear comedic centres at points, but these are more stop gaps to fill the time.
With distinct Jim Carrey "Kidding" vibes, "Bo Burnham: Inside" is as smart a comedic special as you will find today, with laughs for all crowds and some great creative direction to boot. The deeper themes are there for those who want to explore further, and suggest that this 30-year-old comic has some serious ability when it comes to the finer art of televisual humour.
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