Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark

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.

I really enjoyed the dark humor. It's refreshing being able to knowingly laugh at the things so few of us ever discuss. Marc put our shared humanity on full display.

I too have a baseball bat in my bedroom and now I need to YouTube how to defend myself with a baseball bat because I'm no longer certain where to aim.

Toxic family, I think most of us can relate and there is no expiration date on feeling angry at your parent(s).

This special feels like it could be a support group where you're just listening to a fellow human and it isn't your time to share, yet.

Also, I'm sorry for Marc's loss.

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.

Well. I didn't like his last special and I am not thrilled with this one. Seems that Maron YELLS his punch line to make sure when I should think that he's being funny.

The fact is, I know he's funny, when he's just sitting around interviewing people for his pod cast. He's not funny when he's trying to be - on a stage with a bunch of people in front of him - who have paid a lot of money to see him!

He had a couple good points that caught my attention and made me smile in spite of myself, but ....

I like Maron as an actor. I know that when he has a part in a movie, no matter how small, we're going to get the best of him.

Too bad it doesn't translate to his stand up.

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.