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Too Real

Marc Maron

Netflix · 2017 · 70 min

A neurotic hour about getting older and leaving concerts early.

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Marc Maron begins his 2017 hour with a backstage shot of himself using the restroom before walking onto a stage that he immediately uses to vent. He addresses the early days of the Trump presidency by likening the daily news cycle to an abusive stepfather kicking down a bedroom door just to yell that he is burning the house down. It is a quick, venting introductory sequence designed to get the political dread out of the way so he can focus on his favorite subject: his own neurotic mortality. Pacing the stage at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Maron presents an anxious, twitching examination of what it means to grow old and completely lose the ability to have fun. Directed by Lynn Shelton, the set catches Maron at a career high point, fresh off his debut in the Netflix series GLOW and the massive global growth of his podcast WTF. This stability is reflected on stage; he is far more physical than in previous specials, most notably during an extended segment where he mimics the stage movements of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The bit details the self-inflicted misery of receiving free, premium tickets to a Rolling Stones stadium concert, only to spend the entire evening worrying about parking before ultimately leaving early to beat the traffic. He also riffs on his mother’s baffling use of emojis, a breakdown of his relationship with his cats, and an apocalyptic final routine about the end of days. Critics praised the hour for its tighter structure, noting how the comedian’s success on television seemed to translate into a more confident stage presence.

The set list

5 bits

  1. Donald Trump's presidency as an abusive stepfather

    Compares waking up and reading the political news to living with an abusive stepfather who kicks open your bedroom door, yells that he is burning the house down, and shuts the door.

  2. Leaving a Rolling Stones concert early

    Recounts going to see the aging rock band, performing physical impressions of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and realizing the greatest thrill was slipping out during the encore to beat arena traffic.

  3. Buying a dumb hat

    Walks through the initial excitement, rapid post-purchase regret, and months of shame after buying an expensive hat, then retells the entire ordeal as a joyful children's book about a silly, sad man.

  4. Reading Post-It notes of discarded thoughts

    Brings out actual Post-It notes containing personal mantras and fragmented bit ideas like 'My comfort zone is uncomfortable' and 'We will all be immortalized as content.'

  5. So, what's going on with me?

    Leans into his podcast identity by giving the audience a familiar, extemporaneous-style personal update about his cats Monkey and LaFonda and his relationship with his girlfriend.

How it plays

Tone
Neurotic, self-deprecating, contemplative, and darkly humorous.
On stage
Chronically agitated, irritable, and cynical yet self-aware, softer, and visibly happier, perching on a stool while exposing his vulnerabilities and everyday neuroses.
Pace
Conversational, measured, and well-paced, punctuated with energetic physical act-outs, impressions, and moments of self-effacing laughter.
About
aging and mortality, Donald Trump and political anxiety, banalities and mundanities of daily life, cultural exhaustion and media saturation, relationships and domestic life

What the critics said

Considered by critics to be one of Maron's strongest and most polished stand-up hours to date, effectively blending his trademark neurotic irritability with tighter writing, genuine vulnerability, and sharp cultural relevance.

In the room: Warm, devoted, and highly responsive, laughing and cheering along with inside references to his podcast and personal life.

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: imdb.com, vulture.com, decider.com, pastemagazine.com, dailydot.com, en.wikipedia.org.

Backstory

Filmed in early 2017 in the shadow of Donald Trump's election and the heightened political polarization in the United States; at age 53, Maron confronts his mortality and shifting outlook on aging.

Details

Released
Taped
Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis
Runtime
70 min
Where
Netflix
Director
Lynn Shelton
Topics
Before
More Later (2015)
After
End Times Fun (2020)

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