I'm f*****g Matt Damon
February 6, 2008 12:32 PM Subscribe
The feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon is very Andy Kaufmanesque. Only Andy never dated Sarah Silverman.
"I'm Jewish but, I wear this Saint Christopher medal sometimes, my boyfriend is Catholic—but you know... it was cute the way he gave it to me. He said if it doesn't burn a hole through my skin it will protect me."
posted by grouse at 12:42 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by grouse at 12:42 PM on February 6, 2008
*pukes*
Damn, will I ever be happy when this whole 'fight racism by saying really racist things' meme finally dies.
posted by stinkycheese at 12:47 PM on February 6, 2008 [7 favorites]
Damn, will I ever be happy when this whole 'fight racism by saying really racist things' meme finally dies.
posted by stinkycheese at 12:47 PM on February 6, 2008 [7 favorites]
five minutes of SARA SILVERMAN RUNS ANOTHER JOKE INTO THE GODDAMN GROUND, huh? Looks like Kaufman made out ahead of Kimmel and Damon both.
posted by boo_radley at 12:48 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by boo_radley at 12:48 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
I can't wait to see this when I go home. I'm going to get nice and settled in before I watch this. With a pair of binoculars, and a good set of unidirectional mics, I can also check in on my neighbors!
posted by not_on_display at 12:49 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by not_on_display at 12:49 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Maaaatt Daaaamon.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:50 PM on February 6, 2008 [16 favorites]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:50 PM on February 6, 2008 [16 favorites]
Can't stand Silverman myself but I actually found this funny. Mostly because of Damon's bemusement throughout the whole thing.
posted by Skorgu at 12:50 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Skorgu at 12:50 PM on February 6, 2008
I thought the sign language part was hi-larious. Also Silverman's giddy "I can't believe it OMG!" expression at the beginning.
posted by infinitewindow at 12:53 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by infinitewindow at 12:53 PM on February 6, 2008
Bleh, I hate Jimmy Kimmel. Mostly because he's dating Sara Silverman.
posted by delmoi at 12:54 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by delmoi at 12:54 PM on February 6, 2008
Hello! And welcome to last week! =D
Triple Youtube FPP FTW!
posted by indiebass at 12:57 PM on February 6, 2008
Triple Youtube FPP FTW!
posted by indiebass at 12:57 PM on February 6, 2008
I can't find the previous post(s) - do you have links?
posted by mrnutty at 1:01 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by mrnutty at 1:01 PM on February 6, 2008
Wouldn't she be pegging Matt Damon?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:16 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:16 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
"I'm a female comedian, so I have to wear ugly unfeminine red shoes and mannish clothes."
posted by Jay Reimenschneider at 1:18 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Jay Reimenschneider at 1:18 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Cute song and video, though I still can't stand the woman.
posted by flatluigi at 1:20 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by flatluigi at 1:20 PM on February 6, 2008
i didn't realize that people had such strong negative feelings about Sarah Silverman, i haven't really seen her in anything besides the above.
posted by barrakuda at 1:24 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by barrakuda at 1:24 PM on February 6, 2008
Hate Sarah Silverman.
Love Matt Damon.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
Love Matt Damon.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
i didn't realize that people had such strong negative feelings about Sarah Silverman
posted by barrakuda
Forget it, Jake. It's MetaFilter.
posted by The Deej at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2008 [15 favorites]
posted by barrakuda
Forget it, Jake. It's MetaFilter.
posted by The Deej at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2008 [15 favorites]
Sarah Silverman was the funniest single thing about the movie The Aristocrats. I generally like her standup OK. Her show is atrocious.
posted by gurple at 1:29 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by gurple at 1:29 PM on February 6, 2008
It's weird, all you have to do is mention her and they all come out of the woodwork with their fun-sapping yuckishness.
There are things that actually do suck and that you should always comment on the suckiness of should someone mention them even in passing, such as Ron Paul and Second Life. Sarah Silverman is most definately not one of them.
posted by Artw at 1:31 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
There are things that actually do suck and that you should always comment on the suckiness of should someone mention them even in passing, such as Ron Paul and Second Life. Sarah Silverman is most definately not one of them.
posted by Artw at 1:31 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
Also: Texas. Fuck those guys and their anti-litering slogan.
posted by Artw at 1:32 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
posted by Artw at 1:32 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
I "get" what Sarah Silverman's comedy is about, and what it's for, and loved her in, say The Aristocrats. However, I find it unsettling that she can't acknowledge or articulate the political bent of her identity-based anti-PC humor when asked in interview, or doesn't choose to do so. I think there's a lot to analyze about her, wrt to performance of sexuality. I think she's a polarizing figure for some in part because of her relative attractiveness as a female comedian. And seriously, Jimmy Kimmel? That must be some kinda magic cock.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 1:33 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 1:33 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
And seriously, Jimmy Kimmel? That must be some kinda magic cock.
Word on the street is that he ejaculates pure heroin.
what have I become?
posted by COBRA! at 1:36 PM on February 6, 2008 [7 favorites]
Word on the street is that he ejaculates pure heroin.
what have I become?
posted by COBRA! at 1:36 PM on February 6, 2008 [7 favorites]
Metafilter: Jimmy Kimmel? That must be some kinda magic cock.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:42 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:42 PM on February 6, 2008
I want to marry Matt Damon.
And then we will take turns punching Jimmy Kimmel in the face. "See this, motherfucker? THIS IS COMEDY GOLD!" *bam* "You're not fucking funny!" *crunch*
- fin -
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 1:43 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
And then we will take turns punching Jimmy Kimmel in the face. "See this, motherfucker? THIS IS COMEDY GOLD!" *bam* "You're not fucking funny!" *crunch*
- fin -
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 1:43 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
Metafilter: what have I become?
posted by elwoodwiles at 1:44 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by elwoodwiles at 1:44 PM on February 6, 2008
I love Matt Damon. If Sarah Silverman stays with Jimmy Kimmel, I'm so totally....nevermind. That joke's just too easy.
posted by misha at 1:46 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by misha at 1:46 PM on February 6, 2008
Jimmy Kimmel? That must be some kinda magic cock.
He has a pamphlet!
posted by spiderwire at 1:50 PM on February 6, 2008
He has a pamphlet!
posted by spiderwire at 1:50 PM on February 6, 2008
mrnutty: if you were referring to my comment, I was simply pointing out that this FPP contains three youtube links (not that this was the third time it was posted) and that a handful of people had e-mailed me that clip at least a week ago. My criticism was more on the timeliness of it, and its inclusion in "Best of the Web".
That being said: I do love Sarah Silverman, and anyone who doesn't fall in love with her after watching Jesus is Magic lacks a heart. Or sophisticated sense of humor.
posted by indiebass at 1:51 PM on February 6, 2008
That being said: I do love Sarah Silverman, and anyone who doesn't fall in love with her after watching Jesus is Magic lacks a heart. Or sophisticated sense of humor.
posted by indiebass at 1:51 PM on February 6, 2008
Or sophisticated sense of humor.
Yeah, when she stuck the microphone in her ass? What a sophisticate!
posted by kittens for breakfast at 1:56 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
Yeah, when she stuck the microphone in her ass? What a sophisticate!
posted by kittens for breakfast at 1:56 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
How is it like Andy Kaufman? Damon blew up, Kimmel chased after him all trying to make things good. You think Andy Kaufman does something like either one of them?
posted by xmutex at 2:02 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by xmutex at 2:02 PM on February 6, 2008
This reminds me of that one time someone said they really liked a comedy (I can't remember if it was a movie or a tv show or someone's standup or what) and as they were talking I realized that the single most important thing I could say at that moment, possibly the most important thing I could say in my entire life, was that what they thought was funny actually sucked.
posted by shmegegge at 2:07 PM on February 6, 2008 [16 favorites]
posted by shmegegge at 2:07 PM on February 6, 2008 [16 favorites]
Word on the street is that he ejaculates pure heroin.
Jimmy Kimmel is a mugwump?
posted by juv3nal at 2:08 PM on February 6, 2008
Jimmy Kimmel is a mugwump?
posted by juv3nal at 2:08 PM on February 6, 2008
I think Jimmy Kimmel is a lame asshole. And Sarah Silverman's jokes are always at least a minute too long, which inevitably turns my initial reaction of "hahaha!" into "funny, but..."
That said, I totally loved her and Matt Damon in that video and laughed my ass off, then forwarded it to ten friends like i wuz new to the emailz.
dirtynumbangelboy, I will jump up and down like a girl with glee while you and your husband Matt punch Jimmy Kimmel in the face.
I don't think the Jimmy Kimmel/Matt Damon thing is Kaufmanesque though. What's that about? Also, yeah, I saw this last week.
posted by desuetude at 2:09 PM on February 6, 2008
That said, I totally loved her and Matt Damon in that video and laughed my ass off, then forwarded it to ten friends like i wuz new to the emailz.
dirtynumbangelboy, I will jump up and down like a girl with glee while you and your husband Matt punch Jimmy Kimmel in the face.
I don't think the Jimmy Kimmel/Matt Damon thing is Kaufmanesque though. What's that about? Also, yeah, I saw this last week.
posted by desuetude at 2:09 PM on February 6, 2008
Ambrosia: However, I find it unsettling that she can't acknowledge or articulate the political bent of her identity-based anti-PC humor when asked in interview, or doesn't choose to do so. I think there's a lot to analyze about her, wrt to performance of sexuality.
I think what a lot of people find unsettling about her is that she doesn't step out of her character: she plays a slightly toned down version for interviews, but she is still playing the same character as she does on her show or in her stand up. Since people don't have much to go on aside from the performance, they seem to end up taking polarized positions.
I agree that there is some serious grad student fodder on the sexuality front though.
posted by ssg at 2:09 PM on February 6, 2008
I think what a lot of people find unsettling about her is that she doesn't step out of her character: she plays a slightly toned down version for interviews, but she is still playing the same character as she does on her show or in her stand up. Since people don't have much to go on aside from the performance, they seem to end up taking polarized positions.
I agree that there is some serious grad student fodder on the sexuality front though.
posted by ssg at 2:09 PM on February 6, 2008
Loved this, and what's with all the crankiness? Sarah Silverman is wildy uneven, but can be hilarious. And this Damon/Kimmel bit is Kaufmanesque--though much milder. Silverman and Sacha Cohen are similar in that their humor hinges on political incorrectness in the persona of a completely clueless (and therefore less malicious and more ridiculous) character. Silverman never really breaks character, but I don't for one minute believe that her comedy expresses her actual beliefs about race or class or whatever. Sacha Cohen breaks character for interviews, so we're reassured that Borat or Ali G are acts. Andy Kaufman, who everyone considers such a genius, never, ever broke character to my knowledge, never went for laughs, and did often did characters who weren't clueless but downright mean, bigoted and really aggressive. He really did performance art more than comedy, especially the wrestling stuff. Very hard to watch, very unsettling.
posted by tula at 2:11 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by tula at 2:11 PM on February 6, 2008
I agree that there is some serious grad student fodder on the sexuality front though.
HEY! whaddaya mean by that, bub? i resemble that remark.
LOVE damon, tolerate silverman/kimmel, laughed ass off last week at video
posted by CitizenD at 2:15 PM on February 6, 2008
HEY! whaddaya mean by that, bub? i resemble that remark.
LOVE damon, tolerate silverman/kimmel, laughed ass off last week at video
posted by CitizenD at 2:15 PM on February 6, 2008
(the whole thing WOULD be better if lattke (sp) was floating in the backround, cherubim-style, playing panflute to make zamfir weep)
posted by CitizenD at 2:16 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by CitizenD at 2:16 PM on February 6, 2008
We are who we pretend to be, so we must be careful who we pretend to be.
posted by InnocentBystander at 2:17 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
posted by InnocentBystander at 2:17 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
____________________ | shark | _______________________ Sarah Silverman
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:20 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:20 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
How is it like Andy Kaufman?
Uh, in that none of it is real?
Damon blew up, Kimmel chased after him all trying to make things good.
Heh
You think Andy Kaufman does something like either one of them?
Actually Andy Kaufman doesn't do much besides lay there. Though come to that, it's possible there's a resemblance to Ms Silverman that I woudn't know about.
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:24 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Uh, in that none of it is real?
Damon blew up, Kimmel chased after him all trying to make things good.
Heh
You think Andy Kaufman does something like either one of them?
Actually Andy Kaufman doesn't do much besides lay there. Though come to that, it's possible there's a resemblance to Ms Silverman that I woudn't know about.
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:24 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
How is it like Andy Kaufman?
Seriously? Did you watch the Letterman clip? Do you remember that most of Kaufman's schtick (not the taxi stuff) was screaming at people feigning anger and especially feuds just like the Kimmel's disses/Damon yelling in the clip. That's how.
posted by tula at 2:25 PM on February 6, 2008
Seriously? Did you watch the Letterman clip? Do you remember that most of Kaufman's schtick (not the taxi stuff) was screaming at people feigning anger and especially feuds just like the Kimmel's disses/Damon yelling in the clip. That's how.
posted by tula at 2:25 PM on February 6, 2008
CitizenD: At least I didn't say fodder for grad student wankery.
posted by ssg at 2:26 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by ssg at 2:26 PM on February 6, 2008
Sarah Silverman won me over during her interview on Fresh Air. Terry Gross asked her about the frequent use of the word "vagina" on The Sarah Silverman Program, Silverman replied that it was like the mouse in Goodnight Moon - you can find it on every page.
posted by joseph_elmhurst at 2:28 PM on February 6, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by joseph_elmhurst at 2:28 PM on February 6, 2008 [4 favorites]
I mostly know Sarah Silverman from Greg the Bunny, so I'm a fan. Her skit stuff does tend to go on a bit though.
posted by krisjohn at 2:36 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by krisjohn at 2:36 PM on February 6, 2008
We are who we pretend to be, so we must be careful who we pretend to be.
Yeeesh, where's the fun in that? It's called satire, or farce, or even acting. Think Moliere. Or Monty Python. The point of much of this comedy is to point out to us the absurdity of the characters. Playing a hothead or a pig-headed bigot doesn't make an indelible stain on your soul.
posted by tula at 2:41 PM on February 6, 2008 [4 favorites]
Yeeesh, where's the fun in that? It's called satire, or farce, or even acting. Think Moliere. Or Monty Python. The point of much of this comedy is to point out to us the absurdity of the characters. Playing a hothead or a pig-headed bigot doesn't make an indelible stain on your soul.
posted by tula at 2:41 PM on February 6, 2008 [4 favorites]
Who's Jimmy Kimmel? Wasn't Silverman in the later series of the Larry Sander's Show? Who's Jason Bourne?
posted by Elmore at 2:47 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Elmore at 2:47 PM on February 6, 2008
That's right, Jason Bourne is a fictional character who doesn't actually exist that is played by Matt Damon, where as the other two don't actually exist.
posted by Elmore at 2:50 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Elmore at 2:50 PM on February 6, 2008
We are who we pretend to be, so we must be careful who we pretend to be.
I'm Batman!
posted by Bookhouse at 2:51 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
I'm Batman!
posted by Bookhouse at 2:51 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
Woah - I think I've had too much wine. It sort of made sense to me. Nevermind.
posted by Elmore at 2:52 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Elmore at 2:52 PM on February 6, 2008
Damon blew up, Kimmel chased after him all trying to make things good.
If it was real, Damon would have walked out on stage, waved at the crowd, pointed to his watch and shrugged like, "Sorry, Jimmy used up all my time and now I have to go," and walked out the door. He wouldn't have sat down and just waited for Jimmy to deliver the punchline.
posted by spiderwire at 2:53 PM on February 6, 2008
If it was real, Damon would have walked out on stage, waved at the crowd, pointed to his watch and shrugged like, "Sorry, Jimmy used up all my time and now I have to go," and walked out the door. He wouldn't have sat down and just waited for Jimmy to deliver the punchline.
posted by spiderwire at 2:53 PM on February 6, 2008
Small piece of Matt Damon trivia -- this is the second time that a fictional Matt Damon infidelity has been revealed to the cuckolded party through a catchy song.
posted by Bookhouse at 2:59 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
posted by Bookhouse at 2:59 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
"Jimmy Doesn't Know"
posted by Tenuki at 3:02 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Tenuki at 3:02 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Well, I watched it and didn't think it was very funny.
I used to work in that hotel. It's the Delano in Miami Beach. Most of it is shot in Penthouse 3, but also in the lobby and the Rose Bar. The pool they splash in is the Delano's as well.
Probably no one cares, but then again I watched the whole unfunny thing, so I feel like I have the right to make a comment.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 3:04 PM on February 6, 2008
I used to work in that hotel. It's the Delano in Miami Beach. Most of it is shot in Penthouse 3, but also in the lobby and the Rose Bar. The pool they splash in is the Delano's as well.
Probably no one cares, but then again I watched the whole unfunny thing, so I feel like I have the right to make a comment.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 3:04 PM on February 6, 2008
No, I'm Batman.
posted by Effigy2000 at 3:06 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Effigy2000 at 3:06 PM on February 6, 2008
____________________ | shark | _______________________ The Phrase "Jumped the Shark."
posted by god hates math at 3:07 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
posted by god hates math at 3:07 PM on February 6, 2008 [5 favorites]
Colbert/O'Brien/Stewart was more satisfying, but maybe that was just the faint whiff of collusion.
Matt Damon is the Steve Guttenberg of his generation.
posted by Sys Rq at 3:15 PM on February 6, 2008
Matt Damon is the Steve Guttenberg of his generation.
posted by Sys Rq at 3:15 PM on February 6, 2008
It's only the second time we know about, Bookhouse. Matt Damon could have pretended to be dozens or hundreds of different people and recorded songs about every crazed infidelity he's ever perpetrated as a serial pop-song Lothario, for all we know.
posted by cgc373 at 3:16 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by cgc373 at 3:16 PM on February 6, 2008
If Andy Kaufman was alive today he'd roll over in his grave.
posted by Floydd at 3:19 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Floydd at 3:19 PM on February 6, 2008
You know who else wasn't funny?
That's right, Andy fucking Kaufman.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:25 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
That's right, Andy fucking Kaufman.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:25 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
I don't think Matt Damon blew up. To me it looks like the whole thing was staged.
Also, the Delano is gorgeous. Sent some clients there recently... I really, really want to go.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 3:25 PM on February 6, 2008
Also, the Delano is gorgeous. Sent some clients there recently... I really, really want to go.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 3:25 PM on February 6, 2008
It's kind of sad that people only think of Andy Kaufman as "the guy who pretended to have feuds with people" when he did so many other wonderfully strange and subversive things.
Andy was a master at tweaking expectations. Kimmel is just pretending he hates Matt Damon.
posted by turaho at 3:27 PM on February 6, 2008
Andy was a master at tweaking expectations. Kimmel is just pretending he hates Matt Damon.
posted by turaho at 3:27 PM on February 6, 2008
Matt Damon could have pretended to be dozens or hundreds of different people and recorded songs about every crazed infidelity he's ever perpetrated as a serial pop-song Lothario, for all we know.
Matt Damon?
posted by Bookhouse at 3:29 PM on February 6, 2008
Matt Damon?
posted by Bookhouse at 3:29 PM on February 6, 2008
five minutes of SARA SILVERMAN RUNS ANOTHER JOKE INTO THE GODDAMN GROUND, huh? Looks like Kaufman made out ahead of Kimmel and Damon both.
Seriously? You think Kaufman never ran a joke into the ground? Wait, you don't what the f you're talking about do you?
Anyway, great post, laughed my ass off.
posted by lumpenprole at 3:29 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Seriously? You think Kaufman never ran a joke into the ground? Wait, you don't what the f you're talking about do you?
Anyway, great post, laughed my ass off.
posted by lumpenprole at 3:29 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Yeeesh, where's the fun in that? It's called satire, or farce, or even acting. Think Moliere. Or Monty Python. The point of much of this comedy is to point out to us the absurdity of the characters. Playing a hothead or a pig-headed bigot doesn't make an indelible stain on your soul.
Oh, I don't know about that...
With his "Diceman" persona, Andrew Dice Clay was not only an immense success, but he was also surrounded by heaps of controversy regarding his views and jokes about women and immigrants ("If you can't speak the language, get the f*ck out of the country"). Expected to respond to some of the criticism thrown his way, Diceman instead broke down and cried when Arsenio Hall questioned him.Considering Clay's image, and Arsenio's habit of ass-kissing, softie questioning, this was extremely humiliating.
Career Impact: This breakdown made a serious dent in the tough guy persona he tried so hard to create. Shortly thereafter, Clay tried to clean up his act on the squeaky clean CBS series Bless This House , which lasted all of five months. Since then, he's co-starred in One Night at McCool's and resurrected the Diceman act, appearing regularly in Las Vegas.
Memorable Quote: "Whenever somebody is on top, they try to bring him down."
And more recently (language NSFW)
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:33 PM on February 6, 2008
Oh, I don't know about that...
With his "Diceman" persona, Andrew Dice Clay was not only an immense success, but he was also surrounded by heaps of controversy regarding his views and jokes about women and immigrants ("If you can't speak the language, get the f*ck out of the country"). Expected to respond to some of the criticism thrown his way, Diceman instead broke down and cried when Arsenio Hall questioned him.Considering Clay's image, and Arsenio's habit of ass-kissing, softie questioning, this was extremely humiliating.
Career Impact: This breakdown made a serious dent in the tough guy persona he tried so hard to create. Shortly thereafter, Clay tried to clean up his act on the squeaky clean CBS series Bless This House , which lasted all of five months. Since then, he's co-starred in One Night at McCool's and resurrected the Diceman act, appearing regularly in Las Vegas.
Memorable Quote: "Whenever somebody is on top, they try to bring him down."
And more recently (language NSFW)
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:33 PM on February 6, 2008
You know that's an interesting comparison between Dice and Silverman.
I think the salient difference is that I've yet to meet a single person who would agree with the things that Silverman says/or thought that she did.
The sticking point with Dice was that his fans agreed with him about blacks, immigrants, women, etc....
posted by lumpenprole at 3:39 PM on February 6, 2008
I think the salient difference is that I've yet to meet a single person who would agree with the things that Silverman says/or thought that she did.
The sticking point with Dice was that his fans agreed with him about blacks, immigrants, women, etc....
posted by lumpenprole at 3:39 PM on February 6, 2008
I think the salient difference is that I've yet to meet a single person who would agree with the things that Silverman says/or thought that she did.
Well, it's a tough one for me, because -- although I think Silverman can be funny (hell, I thought that Dice could sometimes be funny!) -- I do wonder how much of her audience is made up of people who do kinda agree with some of the things she's said. Dice said stuff you might hear in a bar (he certainly said stuff I'm sure a lot of people heard in bars afterward), but it seems to me Silverman's act plays off things white middle and upper class people might think. The joke is that her character is too naive to realize she's saying things that no sane person would. People laugh because they're shocked, but what's the source of the shock? Is it just that they can't believe what's coming out of this delicate little flower's mouth, or is there something more to it? It kinda makes me think of Dave Chappelle's feeling that white people were laughing just a little too hard at his use of the n-word, etc. But on the other hand, that line of thinking took away a pretty great comic, so I dunno. Critical analysis and comedy tend not to make real terrific bedfellows.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:54 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
Well, it's a tough one for me, because -- although I think Silverman can be funny (hell, I thought that Dice could sometimes be funny!) -- I do wonder how much of her audience is made up of people who do kinda agree with some of the things she's said. Dice said stuff you might hear in a bar (he certainly said stuff I'm sure a lot of people heard in bars afterward), but it seems to me Silverman's act plays off things white middle and upper class people might think. The joke is that her character is too naive to realize she's saying things that no sane person would. People laugh because they're shocked, but what's the source of the shock? Is it just that they can't believe what's coming out of this delicate little flower's mouth, or is there something more to it? It kinda makes me think of Dave Chappelle's feeling that white people were laughing just a little too hard at his use of the n-word, etc. But on the other hand, that line of thinking took away a pretty great comic, so I dunno. Critical analysis and comedy tend not to make real terrific bedfellows.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:54 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
Being a pretty comedienne is famously difficult. Silverman, who is movie star gorgeous if yr askin me, has done as well as anybody. I sense that it has something about her persona being unlikeable anyway, but I'm still trying to figure out how she's finessing that problem.
posted by msalt at 3:55 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by msalt at 3:55 PM on February 6, 2008
Whether or not I meant it, the words were being said, and given power.
posted by stinkycheese at 4:01 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by stinkycheese at 4:01 PM on February 6, 2008
FWIW, I think the intermittent flashes of brilliance from Sarah Silverman (like this video, and the piece in The Aristocrats) are worth the dull stretches of potty-mouth boredom.
posted by texorama at 4:09 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by texorama at 4:09 PM on February 6, 2008
kittens: Silverman's act plays off things white middle and upper class people might think
Isn't the joke that she is saying things (in an exaggerated form) that are, at least in some small way, part of white middle class culture? Isn't the shock generated by the realization that she is saying things that some "sane" people might actually say (or at least think)?
posted by ssg at 4:24 PM on February 6, 2008
Isn't the joke that she is saying things (in an exaggerated form) that are, at least in some small way, part of white middle class culture? Isn't the shock generated by the realization that she is saying things that some "sane" people might actually say (or at least think)?
posted by ssg at 4:24 PM on February 6, 2008
Isn't the joke that she is saying things (in an exaggerated form) that are, at least in some small way, part of white middle class culture? Isn't the shock generated by the realization that she is saying things that some "sane" people might actually say (or at least think)?
That's kind of the crux of it...are people laughing with her or at her? And if they're laughing at her, are they laughing at the attitudes or at the clumsy (too obviously racist, etc.) way of expressing them? This is all starts to get kinda meta, but what it comes down to for me is that I start to get uncomfortable watching people laugh at "chink" jokes and whatnot. I don't consider that a personal failing, and I do wonder what other people get out of it. YMMV.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 4:37 PM on February 6, 2008
That's kind of the crux of it...are people laughing with her or at her? And if they're laughing at her, are they laughing at the attitudes or at the clumsy (too obviously racist, etc.) way of expressing them? This is all starts to get kinda meta, but what it comes down to for me is that I start to get uncomfortable watching people laugh at "chink" jokes and whatnot. I don't consider that a personal failing, and I do wonder what other people get out of it. YMMV.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 4:37 PM on February 6, 2008
I don't generally like Matt Damon much, but Kevin Smith and Martin Scorsese seem to like him, so he must be good for something.
posted by jonmc at 4:54 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by jonmc at 4:54 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
"Andy Kaufman, who everyone considers such a genius, never, ever broke character to my knowledge, never went for laughs, and did often did characters who weren't clueless but downright mean, bigoted and really aggressive."
Andy was a friend of mine in the later years of his life. I have to disagree with the idea that this "feud" between Kimmel and Damon is Andy-like. NO ONE thinks that the feud is real, nor do I think that you are expected to think it's real.
Andy's entire purpose was to make you question the reality of what he was doing. Part of his downfall, in fact, may have been that he was very good at that, causing people, even some in the "business," that he was out of control, which I can assure you he was not.
Andy knew exactly what he was doing and could be very articulate about it with people he trusted. Everyone is entitled, of course, to their opinion as to whether Andy was funny or not.
posted by Cranky Media Guy at 5:09 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
Andy was a friend of mine in the later years of his life. I have to disagree with the idea that this "feud" between Kimmel and Damon is Andy-like. NO ONE thinks that the feud is real, nor do I think that you are expected to think it's real.
Andy's entire purpose was to make you question the reality of what he was doing. Part of his downfall, in fact, may have been that he was very good at that, causing people, even some in the "business," that he was out of control, which I can assure you he was not.
Andy knew exactly what he was doing and could be very articulate about it with people he trusted. Everyone is entitled, of course, to their opinion as to whether Andy was funny or not.
posted by Cranky Media Guy at 5:09 PM on February 6, 2008 [6 favorites]
NO ONE thinks that the feud is real, nor do I think that you are expected to think it's real.
Go back and read some of the comments on that first YouTube link. Heck, go upthread and read some of the comments from Mefi's own cluetards.
Then weep. Weep hard and long for humantity.
posted by oncogenesis at 5:22 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Go back and read some of the comments on that first YouTube link. Heck, go upthread and read some of the comments from Mefi's own cluetards.
Then weep. Weep hard and long for humantity.
posted by oncogenesis at 5:22 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
kittens for breakfast writes "I do wonder how much of her audience is made up of people who do kinda agree with some of the things she's said."
She's really too surreal to be liked by people who don't get her. She's deliberately off-putting, not just playing to racist and sexist stereotypes, but also putting up a mirror to all sorts of sordid thoughts that pass through so many people's heads. If she were a one-trick pony, just playing off the fact she's Jewish, for instance, then it might play to the wrong people a bit too well. But as it is, I don't think so. The one Jewish joke I remember distinctly from her show was the "full frontal Jewdity" line, which I don't think is really playing to a racist audience at all, just because it's a goofy pun. And I don't think the characters in the show - her stoner neighbors, the stupid cop and her co-dependent sister - would really appeal to a racist audience, but what do I know?
posted by krinklyfig at 5:24 PM on February 6, 2008
She's really too surreal to be liked by people who don't get her. She's deliberately off-putting, not just playing to racist and sexist stereotypes, but also putting up a mirror to all sorts of sordid thoughts that pass through so many people's heads. If she were a one-trick pony, just playing off the fact she's Jewish, for instance, then it might play to the wrong people a bit too well. But as it is, I don't think so. The one Jewish joke I remember distinctly from her show was the "full frontal Jewdity" line, which I don't think is really playing to a racist audience at all, just because it's a goofy pun. And I don't think the characters in the show - her stoner neighbors, the stupid cop and her co-dependent sister - would really appeal to a racist audience, but what do I know?
posted by krinklyfig at 5:24 PM on February 6, 2008
Isn't the shock generated by the realization that she is saying things that some "sane" people might actually say (or at least think)?
Well, sort of. The laughs come from impeccable timing and the ironic (and I mean that in the true sense, as opposed to the lame t-shirt sense) delivery. If her act reflects the white middle class, it's the part of the white middle class that outwardly abhors racism yet clutches its purse tightly while walking past a black man, that would never knowingly offend anyone, but inadvertently does it all the time.
She's a lot like that boss guy from The Office (or vice-versa).
posted by Sys Rq at 5:25 PM on February 6, 2008
Well, sort of. The laughs come from impeccable timing and the ironic (and I mean that in the true sense, as opposed to the lame t-shirt sense) delivery. If her act reflects the white middle class, it's the part of the white middle class that outwardly abhors racism yet clutches its purse tightly while walking past a black man, that would never knowingly offend anyone, but inadvertently does it all the time.
She's a lot like that boss guy from The Office (or vice-versa).
posted by Sys Rq at 5:25 PM on February 6, 2008
Matt Damon is the Steve Guttenberg of his generation.
Who makesSteve Guttenberg Matt Damon a star? WE do! WE Do!
posted by bwg at 5:27 PM on February 6, 2008
Who makes
posted by bwg at 5:27 PM on February 6, 2008
She's really too surreal to be liked by people who don't get her.
Oh, good grief.
posted by jonmc at 5:29 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
Oh, good grief.
posted by jonmc at 5:29 PM on February 6, 2008 [3 favorites]
And I don't think the characters in the show - her stoner neighbors, the stupid cop and her co-dependent sister - would really appeal to a racist audience, but what do I know?
huh?
posted by jonmc at 5:47 PM on February 6, 2008
huh?
posted by jonmc at 5:47 PM on February 6, 2008
lumpenprole, I get what you're saying. But I think you misunderstand me -- I think Kaufman's better off dead that having to deal with Silverman and on some level -- a big 50,000 foot level, they're similar. Sure. But she drives The Joke Bus wherever she goes. BEEP BEEP hey here comes a joke here's a big leadup BEEP BEEP Joke Bus coming through BEEP BEEP and the joke always turns out to be not worthy of the leadup. I never got that from Kaufman, and I still find him funny.
As someone else said, she was funny in the Aristocrats, but I've never laughed at her show. Maybe it's gotten funnier since the first season.
posted by boo_radley at 5:48 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
As someone else said, she was funny in the Aristocrats, but I've never laughed at her show. Maybe it's gotten funnier since the first season.
posted by boo_radley at 5:48 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
David Letterman is a dick.
posted by KingoftheWhales at 5:50 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by KingoftheWhales at 5:50 PM on February 6, 2008
Silverman is a feral Yid from the Pale of Unsettlement. She's killing dim goys, using their blood to write her jokes.
posted by abakua at 5:54 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by abakua at 5:54 PM on February 6, 2008
Could we get a restart on the countdown clock, please?
March 7th.
posted by jessamyn at 6:05 PM on February 6, 2008
March 7th.
posted by jessamyn at 6:05 PM on February 6, 2008
Maybe it's gotten funnier since the first season.
I do think it's improved. The Taboo Topics Checklist she generally tends to follow is so prominently on display in the second season it's a joke in itself. Like the way she simply said "midgets" to introduce the next topic during Jesus is Magic.
Her real skill to me is her ability to combine subtlety and an appalling lack of subtlety in the same joke. The sincere delivery is so authentic she could probably fool a room into thinking her character was real. You know, if she took out the racial slurs.
posted by Adam_S at 6:33 PM on February 6, 2008
I do think it's improved. The Taboo Topics Checklist she generally tends to follow is so prominently on display in the second season it's a joke in itself. Like the way she simply said "midgets" to introduce the next topic during Jesus is Magic.
Her real skill to me is her ability to combine subtlety and an appalling lack of subtlety in the same joke. The sincere delivery is so authentic she could probably fool a room into thinking her character was real. You know, if she took out the racial slurs.
posted by Adam_S at 6:33 PM on February 6, 2008
I've been a fan of Silverman's since I saw her years ago in what had to be one of her earliest TV appearance. She said "You know, if you ever take a shower with your boyfriend your boobs will get really clean."
Furthermore, Kaufman was a genius, so there.
posted by wsg at 6:54 PM on February 6, 2008
Furthermore, Kaufman was a genius, so there.
posted by wsg at 6:54 PM on February 6, 2008
"Jimmy Doesn't Know"
Damn it! I wanted to say this.
Sarah Silverman has moments of cleverness, but I can definitely see how her humor could wear thin pretty quickly.
Matt Damon has consistently proven to be a skilled actor with a good sense of humor. I'm actually pretty surprised that he can generate such animosity, as he always has seemed to be a pretty good guy in all the interviews I've seen and personal anecdotes I've heard.
posted by quin at 6:57 PM on February 6, 2008
Damn it! I wanted to say this.
Sarah Silverman has moments of cleverness, but I can definitely see how her humor could wear thin pretty quickly.
Matt Damon has consistently proven to be a skilled actor with a good sense of humor. I'm actually pretty surprised that he can generate such animosity, as he always has seemed to be a pretty good guy in all the interviews I've seen and personal anecdotes I've heard.
posted by quin at 6:57 PM on February 6, 2008
Andy was a friend of mine in the later years of his life...Andy knew exactly what he was doing and could be very articulate about it with people he trusted. Everyone is entitled, of course, to their opinion as to whether Andy was funny or not.
Wow, Cranky Media Guy, thanks for this insight. I'm struck, watching the Letterman clip, that he managed to puncture the veneer of primetime TV that we normally assume to be inviolable. Letterman appeared to be genuinely anxious about the course events were taking. Lawler--who knows? Was he in on the joke? And the wrestling scenes in the south I've scene elsewhere...
Like him or hate him, TV imposes a bland, planned, stupid pseudo-reality on its viewers. It's uncomfortable but invigorating to see an individual march up and twist its nose. Tom Green is the only other performer I can think of that can put me in that uncomfortable, questioning place while watching the boob tube.
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:21 PM on February 6, 2008
Wow, Cranky Media Guy, thanks for this insight. I'm struck, watching the Letterman clip, that he managed to puncture the veneer of primetime TV that we normally assume to be inviolable. Letterman appeared to be genuinely anxious about the course events were taking. Lawler--who knows? Was he in on the joke? And the wrestling scenes in the south I've scene elsewhere...
Like him or hate him, TV imposes a bland, planned, stupid pseudo-reality on its viewers. It's uncomfortable but invigorating to see an individual march up and twist its nose. Tom Green is the only other performer I can think of that can put me in that uncomfortable, questioning place while watching the boob tube.
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:21 PM on February 6, 2008
scene/seen--aargh!...whatever. I'm going to bed now.
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:23 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:23 PM on February 6, 2008
boo_radley writes "But she drives The Joke Bus wherever she goes."
It would be fantastic, I think, if someone asked what you do for a living, and you could say, "I drive The Joke Bus wherever I go."
posted by krinklyfig at 9:36 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
It would be fantastic, I think, if someone asked what you do for a living, and you could say, "I drive The Joke Bus wherever I go."
posted by krinklyfig at 9:36 PM on February 6, 2008 [2 favorites]
Thanks for the link. I really enjoyed this.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 9:37 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 9:37 PM on February 6, 2008
Texas. Fuck those guys and their anti-litering slogan.
"Everything's bigger in Texas... unless you use metric."
"Go gallons or go home."
"Remember the Decabet!"
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:33 PM on February 6, 2008
"Everything's bigger in Texas... unless you use metric."
"Go gallons or go home."
"Remember the Decabet!"
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:33 PM on February 6, 2008
Man, "Scottie Doesn't Know" was pretty much the only funny joke in the entire movie. Thanks, Matt Damon.
posted by graventy at 10:33 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by graventy at 10:33 PM on February 6, 2008
Turtles all the way down: "Was he in on the joke?"
He was.
Kaufman and Lawler's famous feud and wrestling matches were later revealed to have been staged, or a "work," as the two were actually friends. The truth about it being a work was kept secret for more than 10 years...
posted by wsg at 10:39 PM on February 6, 2008
He was.
Kaufman and Lawler's famous feud and wrestling matches were later revealed to have been staged, or a "work," as the two were actually friends. The truth about it being a work was kept secret for more than 10 years...
posted by wsg at 10:39 PM on February 6, 2008
It really chafes when people insist that not finding something funny = not getting it.
I found it only momentarily funny. I get it, it's just not that hilarious to me. I think I chuckled. I like her alright. I've LOLed to her comedy. I liked some moments from her show and most of Jesus Is Magic. But I dunno... I find a lot of her stuff mediocre, and I wish she was willing to divulge her actual stance on things as a real person (though I understand never breaking character is part of her character, and part of her success I'm sure.)
Far more interesting to me is the whole realm of anti-PC humour and aesthetic. In my mind Silverman is part of it, as is Vice Magazine. Is there any thoughtful discourse on that? Because some of it I get and appreciate and some of it just makes me queasy.
posted by loiseau at 12:45 AM on February 7, 2008
I found it only momentarily funny. I get it, it's just not that hilarious to me. I think I chuckled. I like her alright. I've LOLed to her comedy. I liked some moments from her show and most of Jesus Is Magic. But I dunno... I find a lot of her stuff mediocre, and I wish she was willing to divulge her actual stance on things as a real person (though I understand never breaking character is part of her character, and part of her success I'm sure.)
Far more interesting to me is the whole realm of anti-PC humour and aesthetic. In my mind Silverman is part of it, as is Vice Magazine. Is there any thoughtful discourse on that? Because some of it I get and appreciate and some of it just makes me queasy.
posted by loiseau at 12:45 AM on February 7, 2008
I found the song to be hilarious, but why were they censoring the word 'fuck'? Is that part of the joke, or is Jimmy Kimmel shown at 4 in the afternoon?
posted by Ritchie at 1:05 AM on February 7, 2008
posted by Ritchie at 1:05 AM on February 7, 2008
Welcome to American broadcast network television. Without the bleeps that song could potentially cost the network $8,775,000 in FCC indecency fines. $325,000 per fuck.
posted by Tenuki at 1:26 AM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Tenuki at 1:26 AM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
I laughed harder (which is to say inwardly chuckled) more at the vid than the commentary here on the blue, so it's Silverman 1 Mefi 0 in my book.
posted by DenOfSizer at 4:20 AM on February 7, 2008
posted by DenOfSizer at 4:20 AM on February 7, 2008
I turned off the sound and looked at Sarah.... There I said it, she is hot!
Side note does anyone remember from Team America.... MATT DAMON
posted by Mastercheddaar at 6:18 AM on February 7, 2008
Side note does anyone remember from Team America.... MATT DAMON
posted by Mastercheddaar at 6:18 AM on February 7, 2008
I thought Kimmel-Damon was funnier than Silverman-Damon. The best part of Kimmel-Damon for me was Damon cussing Kimmel out during the credits. The best part of Silverman-Damon for me is the introduction, before even the joke is even revealed. (Something about anticipation and follow-through here).
posted by wobh at 6:44 AM on February 7, 2008
posted by wobh at 6:44 AM on February 7, 2008
I like Sarah Silverman and thought the video was hilarious. Though so many people like to make fun of Matt Damon, I think he's a good actor and a good sport (plus -- off topic -- I've got a total thing for the full-on Boston accent and therefore Good Will Hunting is pretty much porno for yours truly).
As for Silverman, it's true -- many of her jokes are funny just because they're over the top from a PC perspective all while reflecting what the white, middle class audience might be actually thinking. I think the Chappelle comparisons are appropriate there.
But man -- how can you not love someone whose show featured D&D dorks saving a Planned Parenthood clinic wearing Viking helmets? (this season, on Sarah Silverman's Comedy Central show). Or stoner metal dudes whose iPods hold nothing but the song "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors? Come on! That's absurdly amusing.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 7:26 AM on February 7, 2008
As for Silverman, it's true -- many of her jokes are funny just because they're over the top from a PC perspective all while reflecting what the white, middle class audience might be actually thinking. I think the Chappelle comparisons are appropriate there.
But man -- how can you not love someone whose show featured D&D dorks saving a Planned Parenthood clinic wearing Viking helmets? (this season, on Sarah Silverman's Comedy Central show). Or stoner metal dudes whose iPods hold nothing but the song "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors? Come on! That's absurdly amusing.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 7:26 AM on February 7, 2008
*pop*
I don't like it when people pop into a thread only to say how much they dislike something.
I would also like to say that, in my oh, so humble, opinion, Sarah Silverman is one of the most entertaining comedian-types who are also female. (Amy Sedaris and Maria Bamford also top that list....of mine.) I should also point out that I only brought up the gender thing because I was reminded of a recent MetaFilter thread about Christopher Hitchins claiming that women are not funny.>>
posted by jaronson at 10:44 AM on February 7, 2008
I don't like it when people pop into a thread only to say how much they dislike something.
I would also like to say that, in my oh, so humble, opinion, Sarah Silverman is one of the most entertaining comedian-types who are also female. (Amy Sedaris and Maria Bamford also top that list....of mine.) I should also point out that I only brought up the gender thing because I was reminded of a recent MetaFilter thread about Christopher Hitchins claiming that women are not funny.>>
posted by jaronson at 10:44 AM on February 7, 2008
I would add Christopher Hitchins to the list of things that it's perfectly okay to post long diatribes about should someone so much as mention them in passing. The fat fuck.
posted by Artw at 10:58 AM on February 7, 2008
posted by Artw at 10:58 AM on February 7, 2008
I like her stand up. And Jesus is Magic had some brilliant, if uneven, moments. Over all I really liked it. But the TV show is spotty and best when she is on screen in her persona less. On that show her "LOOK! I AM BEING CUTE AND SAYING OUTRAGEOUS THINGS" is cloying and contrived. And frankly there are times I just want to kick her in the stomach. She's best when she pulls back from that bullshit.
(If you notice most her movie rolls she's type-cast as the serious bitchy JAP. I'm thinking that wasn't an accident.)
Silverman's shtick has about five more years. As a forty year old woman the cutsie act with the tight retro t-shirted alternajew dorm-girl doing the "WINK WINK" sing-song thing is going to simply be sad and pathetic. Nobody will want it. This carefully honed gimmick persona is going to backfire and unless she changes up soon most of us will be asking what was so funny about her in five years.
Anyway. A little Silverman goes a LOOOOONG way.
posted by tkchrist at 1:27 PM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
(If you notice most her movie rolls she's type-cast as the serious bitchy JAP. I'm thinking that wasn't an accident.)
Silverman's shtick has about five more years. As a forty year old woman the cutsie act with the tight retro t-shirted alternajew dorm-girl doing the "WINK WINK" sing-song thing is going to simply be sad and pathetic. Nobody will want it. This carefully honed gimmick persona is going to backfire and unless she changes up soon most of us will be asking what was so funny about her in five years.
Anyway. A little Silverman goes a LOOOOONG way.
posted by tkchrist at 1:27 PM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
Jimmy Kimmel, now He's fucking Ben Affleck
posted by Tenuki at 1:00 AM on February 25, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by Tenuki at 1:00 AM on February 25, 2008 [3 favorites]
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posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 12:40 PM on February 6, 2008