Dark Side of Comedy

"Vice" has again another interesting series this time "Dark Side of Comedy" which looks at the tragic and often controversial pop culture changing stage days of Andrew Dice Clay, Rosanne, Richard Pryor, and Dustin Diamond and even John Belusi. As episodes show vintage stage footage and classic interviews with each and many historians of media and entertainment and pop culture buffs give their takes on how each comedian impacted society and it's times. And actors shown as they portray moments that involve the real life comedian and critical and real happenings of big moments in their life. Overall it's revealing and tragic showing that being funny and on stage is not always what it seems to be as underneath the clown is crying!

The stories are good, factual and of course, tragic. The best part is the interviews with friends or people close to the stars or comedians. The randos however, and especially Debra Wilson, are unnecessarily aggressive and indiscriminate. Her input added nothing credible and since PhD, MD doesn't flash by her name, she is out of her depth and really shouldn't have been given that platform. There is a lot of soul searching, confusion and anger, as is common to anyone who has lost someone to addiction, be it in physical death or just unable to save them to one extent or another so you connect with them and have immense empathy but there is also a heavy dose of blaming the industry and finger pointing, as is the case when anyone famous dies. Overall it's a raw and emotional look into what were, or are, hugely entertaining, but anguished individuals addressing themselves or via those close to them how this industry is a draw and very rewarding to people already on shakey footing and their realization that nobody or thing is what "broke them" so it can't be responsible for, nor can't it to any extent "fix them" but it takes a very liberal and roundabout path to them coming full circle in accepting they and they alone are ultimately responsible for their complete derailment.

If we look carefully at most comedians, they are angry, depressed and sadly self-centered. Joke stealers? Most of the time. Misogynistic? Could be. Scene stealers? Of course. Loyal and loving friend and loved one? Sure. Unfortunately, most comedians disappear into a haze of drugs, pessimism, and ill will towards others. The ones who survive successfully into maturity and advanced age are the ones who value their own integrity and have genuine relationships with family, their audience, and a belief in helping make this world a happier place. You performers know who you are. Much love and praise.

I've tuned in for the Chris Farley episode as I was a fan way back. So there is some behind the scenes stuff at SNL during Farley's run that's really interesting. There's a lot of cool talking heads who paint a good picture of the past. I watched the fall of Andrew Dice Clay. I was a fan of his movie. But I had never seen his stand up. Like jeez. So it was cool too see behind the scenes footage and the hidden stress of the production. Over in the UK I had no idea of the events around the release. But yeah he's a bit of a weird one. The Rosanne episode. Wow I vaguely remember some items in the news. Didn't know how far down the rabbit hole that she went. The later episodes I'm going to watch. I'll have to admit I only know Richard Pryor and Dustin Diamond! (Bit scared of that one) of the later episodes. Dave Foley provides a cool narration and the show is well produced. But yeah there is a car crash element which does make some parts of the show fastinating.

I love stand up comedy, huge fan of stand up comedy. I will watch any decent series that deals with, analyzes, dissects stand up comedy and stand up comedians. I understand his series is different and deals with the "dark side of comedy". However, a little balance would be greatly appreciated. Many of the subjects are great comedians who had a "dark" side in one way or another. But, how about a little more credit to their incredible achievements, perhaps in part a result of their "dark" side? I admit I am only three episodes in and thus my review is premature. But, thus far I am not impressed. For one thing, Dave Foley's narration: Dave Foley is hilarious, much admired, huge success. However, his narration comes across as monotone, too much of a bummer. We can highlight the positive and still get at the "dark" issues with which each comedian dealt. Even more so, I really hate the recreations. These are in every episode so far. They add nothing, they are artificial. I don't understand the rationale for using these recreations. I don't need some still photo of someone vaguely representing the comedian or the situation being described in the narration.