Last night, I watched the best episode of Inside the Actor's Studio that I've *ever* seen.
It was the Dave Chapelle episode, and what made it brilliant was that I've rarely seen a famous person ever be quite so honest about their work or fame. For instance, Chapelle talked pretty openly about how his comedy works on a sociological/critical level *and* a "scatological" humor level as well. He talked a bit about his process, especially when he was younger - studying both good and bad comics to learn how to tell a joke. Rather than digging for some esoteric inspiration, Dave said that Bugs Bunny was his first comedic influence. It was fascinating.
His discussion of fame was by far the best part though. He really underscored the dangers of fame in modern America, but not in a way that made it a "pity party." While he obviously left a lot of people hanging, there is something *noble* about the way he left his $50 million Comedy Central deal when he realized just how unhappy it was going to make him. I mean, Madonna and Brad Pitt bitch about the press - but they don't quit. Dave just left. That's powerful integrity.
THEN, he only got cooler when he talked about issues of race. He made the smart point that "racism" isn't just about bigots, but about institutionalized trends that we often overlook. His attitudes on the state of American life ("American is the best country in the world ... by default") were equally insightful. He isn't just a critic, lashing out a things that are "wrong." He's also *analytic,* attempting to understand *why* those things are not wrong and *how* those "wrong things" operate. He studies, rather than assumes. Compared to most celebrities who talk about world affairs, Chapelle came across as really fucking smart.
I dunno, it was just good TV. He impressed me as someone who is an entertainer *and* an artist; a nice, humble guy who is wicked smart and talented; someone who is funny but not afraid to be straight forward and honest. I don't have a lot to say about it, other than you should probably watch it.
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It was the Dave Chapelle episode, and what made it brilliant was that I've rarely seen a famous person ever be quite so honest about their work or fame. For instance, Chapelle talked pretty openly about how his comedy works on a sociological/critical level *and* a "scatological" humor level as well. He talked a bit about his process, especially when he was younger - studying both good and bad comics to learn how to tell a joke. Rather than digging for some esoteric inspiration, Dave said that Bugs Bunny was his first comedic influence. It was fascinating.
His discussion of fame was by far the best part though. He really underscored the dangers of fame in modern America, but not in a way that made it a "pity party." While he obviously left a lot of people hanging, there is something *noble* about the way he left his $50 million Comedy Central deal when he realized just how unhappy it was going to make him. I mean, Madonna and Brad Pitt bitch about the press - but they don't quit. Dave just left. That's powerful integrity.
THEN, he only got cooler when he talked about issues of race. He made the smart point that "racism" isn't just about bigots, but about institutionalized trends that we often overlook. His attitudes on the state of American life ("American is the best country in the world ... by default") were equally insightful. He isn't just a critic, lashing out a things that are "wrong." He's also *analytic,* attempting to understand *why* those things are not wrong and *how* those "wrong things" operate. He studies, rather than assumes. Compared to most celebrities who talk about world affairs, Chapelle came across as really fucking smart.
I dunno, it was just good TV. He impressed me as someone who is an entertainer *and* an artist; a nice, humble guy who is wicked smart and talented; someone who is funny but not afraid to be straight forward and honest. I don't have a lot to say about it, other than you should probably watch it.
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My Weekly Artist Chart
My Weekly Track Chart
My Overall Artist Chart
My Overall Track Chart
VIEW 8 of 8 COMMENTS
bredoteau:
I really wanted to see that episode with Chapelle. I totally agree with you without seeing it that Dave is a smart, attuned guy. He's definitely socially conscious, and I think the gravity and import of his own humor weighs on him. I think it's part of what contributed to his meltdown (yes, I believe he had a real one).
salome:
I fucking love Chappelle. I want more seasons!