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Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
First review for a reason - Pay attention, m'kay?
So. Bo Burnham is a literal genius. Let's just get that out of the way. His first special, 'what', is a tour-de-force of unhinged funnybones shattering right, left and center (if ever a fake doctor was needed, it was during that show). Second special, likewise hilarious, creative and off-beat in a very insightful portrayal of everything from relationship issues, mental health and 'white priviliege' to drunk guys making a P-and-J. It's all brilliant.
Inside is different than both what and Make Happy. And in my opinion, Burnham is like a fine wine. His progression into the stratosphere is impressive and this show is perhaps the most indicadent of his creative genius, due to the premise of the show. No audience, no scene or high-end 'props', just a man and his mind unfolding itself on life's absurdities.
Bo Burnham is the gift that keeps on giving and I rarely ACTIVELY care about performers and their wellbeing, but Burnham and his perspective is exactly what the world needs right now (I obviously want everyone to be happy, healthy and wholesome, goes without saying, though I just said it so I guess it doesn't go without saying, but since I've said it I can't just unsay it, now can I?) - but my point being that I rarely get a genuine relatable impression of performers the way I do with Bo Burnham (and other greats like Bill Burr, Chappelle and James Acaster, for instance).
The most prolific standup comedians throughout the genre all share some similarities. The ability to dissect an observation and present it in a way that seems simple, obvious and yet so creatively depicted that it makes you ponder and reflect whilst laughing at the commonalities we, as a single species, share is unique - being funny is hard as it is, but being hilarious, thought-provoking, smart and yet true to one's own self and values is damn near impossible.
Bo Burnham is combining all these factors and adding even more to the mix. Take a bow.