Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire
After seeing all the negative talk about the Dave Chappelle special I had low expectations going in, but I thought it was hilarious.
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I value comedy that makes me dig into my presuppositions and think, and that's what The Closer did for me. In general, Dave Chappelle's Netflix specials are the first to do that for me since Carlin passed. I've missed it, and I have nostalgic pangs when I watch Chappelle perform...especially this and Sticks and Stones.
It's not a gutbuster type of special. Carlin's critics always appreciated the sublime level of humor while acknowledging they weren't bowled over in laughter. It wasn't a laugh a minute like Jimmy Carr, it wasn't storytelling like Mike Birbiglia, it wasn't joke crafting like Norm Macdonald, and it wasn't a hybrid like Bill Burr. It felt like attending a profound and entertaining lecture that shifted my perspective on when and how I'm living. The most memorable parts of education.
His monologue on SNL in November 2020 was outstanding for a longer list of reasons than expected, but it had this little gem that keeps ringing in my ears: "I can't even tell something true unless it has a punchline behind it. You guys aren't ready."
Dave Chappelle is working himself into the Mount Rushmore of stand-up comedy, if he isn't already there.