Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark

Maybe because I have a soft spot for a cute couple that meets each other through their creative work; another soft spot for couples that have distinct but similarly vibing film and performing arts talents; was already a strong supporter of him; and I was definitely, am for sure, undoubtedly will forever be, a Lynn Shelton fan, this is my favorite Marc Maron!

This is pretty well known because anyone new to him will figure it out with the first few minutes listening to our watching any of his work, but Maron has a sui generis style that is consistent and maximized. There are other "conversation" style comedians, but none as dependably or as natural feeling as Maron. One truly believes it when he tells us that his philosophy is to not rehearse. He isn't ashamed when you catch him momentarily losing his place, pausing- not to try to remember a script, but to decide which of his many anecdotes to bring up next, or trailing away when he registers that he might have said something differently than he might have wanted to or went on for longer than would have been ideal.

It is like having an intimate conversation with a dynamic, extremely open, always charismatic friend where although, like everyone, he has some mundane parts (let us be honest, we even tune out our best friends here and there), even those are told with some engaging sprinkles, and are inevitably outweighed by all the riveting ones.

Tagline for his next special?

All-Exclusive Access To The Best Possible People-Watching Experience Ever!

Marc Maron is a stand up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His prior specials are very dark and very good. This one is his best. It is tight and well paced. Maron takes us on a personal look at his relationship with his parents, the state of the people, and the loss of his girlfriend during COVID. Maron is angry and curt, but also sharp and intelligent. If you never saw him before it is good, but if you are a podcast fan it is even better. The Direction and set are visually appealing. The length was perfect. This is well played by Maron and he seems more comfortable than any other show. I recommend it.

I laughed and laughed and laughed. Its so sad and true and genius. I love this guy. I would love to meet him. He really has a sense of humor. He is a god of comedy. What else can i say. Number one, he is the best. Very funny. We need more jewish comedians. Omg, i need more characters. What can i say about him. He is a couragous, fearless example of a good human being. Bless him.i have to say more... i wish i was as funny as him. Its truely an art. He is a brilliant genius. Maybe not, but i have to say more. I will watch all his specials and wait for more. Marc, i am on your side, and i wish i could help you in whatever you need. God bless you.

Maron was early to the podcast space and lauded by many I trust, but those just did not connect with me.

And that's sort of how this special felt, a bit of a disconnection.

One thing I cannot quite tell if it's coming from me or Maron, is a sort of George Carlin replacement wish. Carlin as he got older definitely leaned hard into the Bleak and Dark. His observations for outrage and set-ups for human failure just resonated more with me. Oh well, all "art" (and Dave Chappelle is right, stand up is an art) is going to be subjective.

That said, boosting my review up from 5 to 6 based on some of the negative reviewers here wearing their preconceptions on their sleeves. Instead of reacting when he pushes your obvious button, maybe explore why you have that button. I definitely have a button both for a) alzheimers - ouch isn't aging enough of an indignity b) people who "still" blame their parents

He addresses these and I get where he's coming from. His takes didn't move me much from my positions, but I liked being challenge on my presuppositions.

Ultimately, this special made me appreciate not just Carlin (the lengthy Apatow documentary on George is worth it for fellow fans of his), but also Kate Berlant's recent stand-up special "Cinnamon in the Wind" which sort of nails the confessional/therapy/teachable formula for many such specials.

Maron's quick one-man show vignettes were pretty funny, and the discussion of grief over his wife's death was definitely moving, and uniquely him.

In the end, I felt like the neighbor across the Covid street.

Simply put, this stand-up special makes some people who are conformists uncomfortable, and that's too bad for them. Those of us who appreciate thoughtful, sardonic wit have nothing but admiration for everything Marc Maron's been through and come out the other side with honesty about the state of today's world. He hasn't changed his style so much as honed it to ridicule people who try to tell him how to live his life. Watching this again after knowing what to expect only made me appreciate it more. If you've got a thin skin or are narrow-minded comedically, you might not enjoy it. I laughed so hard it hurt, in a good way.