Though Odenkirk, 59, has had plenty of successes, Comedy is largely a study in the sad-clown paradox, a story about moody tenacity in the face of either fear of failure or failure itself ... Comedy isn’t exactly intended to be ha-ha funny, though it sometimes is. More often, it seems that Odenkirk wants to fire off some warning flares to comics who might want to follow in his footsteps ... Perhaps inevitably, Comedy gets less interesting as Odenkirk becomes an actor who hears yes more often ... Underneath that placid surface, some sad-clown stuff lurks, despite Odenkirk’s efforts to compartmentalize it ... The dad stuff keeps popping up in the memoir like a jump scare ... Of course, a deep dive into daddy issues isn’t what readers want out of a comedian’s memoir. The sad-clown paradox demands you tamp down the sad part, even when your job is to talk about your inner life.
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama serves as a readable reminder why so many people last summer rooted for the recovery of its hugely talented author ... he is routinely generous about his collaborators. He writes at one point that 'to me, the best comedy has an anger in it,' and it is perhaps a lack of rage that explains why this memoir tends toward the droll rather than the hilarious. Still, for those seeking a firsthand account of the '90s alternative-comedy scene from one of its prime movers, it's hard to think of a better book upon which to call.
Odenkirk recounts fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from the many sets he's worked on, plus insights about big names in entertainment, including Chris Farley, Garry Shandling, and Janeane Garofalo, whom he credits as the founder of alternative comedy ... Odenkirk's account of triumph, struggle, and his firm belief that comedy is a unifying source of connection will inspire his fans and motivate aspiring entertainers.
All readers who enjoy truth telling and satire will find Odenkirk’s memoir engaging, as will all his fans who want to know why and how this famous comedian transformed himself into a serious actor.
As a writer, performer, director, and producer, Odenkirk gives a fascinating perspective on many aspects of the industry, and his explorations of his later career shift into dramatic roles—e.g., The Post in 2017, Little Women in 2019, and Nobody in 2021—are illuminating about both his own acting process and the creative work of other actors and entertainers. While clearly aimed at aspiring writers and performers, this fun, thoughtful book will appeal to aspirants in any field.
Comedian and actor Odenkirk...spills on the good, the bad, and oftentimes hilarious moments of his life in this gleeful and irreverent memoir ... Above all, he frankly demonstrates how hard work, pure dumb luck, and 'learning to grab your junk and jump' can pay off in the most gratifying ways. Comedy fans will find plenty of laughs and some heartening lessons, too.
