Burr vs. Carlin

Wednesday’s viewing of Bill Burr’s performance, Why Do I Do This?, alighted in me some questions of comparison between him and George Carlin. So much of these two’s material centered on the same issues (like consumption, obesity, and consumerism), yet, only one of them did I find funny. It forces me to wonder why was I so affronted by Carlin, but not so by Burr? What was it that made me take Carlin seriously, judging his act to be completely devoid of comedy? How come only Burr’s strikes me as a humorous performance?

To begin answering my questions, it will help to compose a list of differences. First, the delivery of each man is notably different. Whether it be a persona or not, the reality is that there is a decidedly unshakable “grouchy-old-man” impression plaguing Carlin’s material. Instead of working in his favor, this irritability hampers the comedy, the perceived anger and resentment causing what should be comedic to become entirely serious. Burr on the other hand, conveys an opposite feeling in his act. Again, whether the act is a persona or not is immaterial, for only the feeling the audience gets is what matters. Burr’s entire act has an air of good-humor, nothing the man says intending to be considered in seriousness. It helps that Burr will occasionally smile, because little actions like that are what ultimately create the overall effect of lightheartedness, and make an audience more attune to the fact that the performance is meant as comedy. As a result, Burr’s act becomes one that amuses while Carlin’s turns into a time for his rants. Noticing this, the audience becomes more inclined to accept Burr as comedic and Carlin as not.

Another sizeable difference is the two men’s relationship with the audience. Burr has many tactics which all work to build an understanding between him and those who his material’s success inevitably depends. He does this by taking care to mention that although what he thinks may not be normal, they are still thoughts everyone at some time or another has as well. His scenarios revolve around “you where thinking it but would never say it, but now I’m saying it” humor, and thus, establish a direct connection between him and those viewing. Conversely, Carlin fails to take any measures to do what Burr does, forgoing audience rapport in favor of grandstanding. (Exactly how he does this I have written on before, so won’t go further into here). In the end, Burr’s successful audience connection allows his act to be perceivably more humorous than Carlin’s.

Further observations on delivery, or a detailed analysis of each joke could yield more insights on my initial question, however, the result will remain the same, Burr’s act conveying comedy while Carlin’s slips into an unfavorable tirade.