Steve Martin on Apple TV

[Snade]

This is a documentary about Steve Martin's life with the full support of Steve.

I watched the first episode (of two) last night - I found it very interesting. Boy, did this guy struggle with his career for many years in the 60's and early 70's. He admits he had no comedy talent. But he kept honing his act and found an audience. And then gets some big breaks on TV (Carson, SNL). It's a story of perseverance.

He becomes a rock star in the mid-70's. I remember seeing him about 1977 at my college - he sold out the biggest stadium on campus and it was one of the most memorable live performances I have ever seen. He just did a lot of his well-known crazy gags, but the audience was going crazy with laughter and a long standing ovation at the end.

The second part on Apple TV is Steve reflecting on his later career - I find him very thoughtful and a good guy.

Just FYI. Mark

 

[JohnVF]

I didn't know about this, thank you. I was a huge fan of him when I was a kid, though lately I've wondered off because Martin Short annoys the living blankety blank out of me. BUT, I do still find Steve Martin to be funny, and always found him to be thoughtful.

 

[Snade]

I didn't know about this, thank you. I was a huge fan of him when I was a kid, though lately I've wondered off because Martin Short annoys the living blankety blank out of me. BUT, I do still find Steve Martin to be funny, and always found him to be thoughtful.

I think you will find it very interesting. He gets into the topic of what is funny and not funny - it's the material and the comedy talent of the performer, but it's also the audience and the venue. He articulates it better than I can.

His early bits are designed to make the audience uncomfortable - nothing makes an audience more uncomfortable than watching a performer fail in an embarrassing way - like watching a train wreck. BUT he finds with a younger audience he can do bits that are stupid and should fail, but he delivers them with such confidence and craziness that it's seen as a parody of a comedian failing, and when the audience gets this - it triggers a huge laugh. But early in his career, an older Vegas audience just sees the train wreck, no laughs and he gets quickly fired from many gigs.

 

[BobInWi]

Don't have Apple TV. I'll have to catch it when it comes around the other services in a few years.
I think I'd enjoy it tho. When Steve Martin is "on", no one is funnier.
I'm certain the backstory is worth hearing.

 

[MikeT.]

Boy, did this guy struggle with his career for many years in the 60's and early 70's. He admits he had no comedy talent. But he kept honing his act and found an audience. And then gets some big breaks on TV (Carson, SNL). It's a story of perseverance.

Very interesting show. I’m not a huge fan but my level of respect for the guy went up exponentially after seeing these episodes.

 

[mhardy6647]

 

[J. Frum]

View attachment 78073

Steve Martin’s status as a comedian is well-known, but a true man of culture recognizes that he’s a fucking world-class banjo player.

 

[Thermionics]

On my 'to watch' list (had to get through Fallout first).

 

[airdronian]

On my 'to watch' list (had to get through Fallout first).

You got through Fallout ?

 

[Thermionics]

You got through Fallout ?

Both the game and TV series. Actually decided to play Fallout 4 again as it has been a minute since I finished it last time.

 

[BobInWi]

a fucking world-class banjo player.

not at the same time tho...................

 

[watt]

Steve Martin’s status as a comedian is well-known, but a true man of culture recognizes that he’s a fucking world-class banjo player.

And he owns some pretty nice paintings, too . . .