Bill Maher Specials
I was recently inspired to watch some earlier stand up routines by Bill Maher, Be More Cynical (2000) and Victory Begins at Home (2003). If you agree with his politics or not, Maher makes fun of all parties, candidates, and the institutions that America has developed over the years. He also touches on subjects that most find delicate to discuss in public, such as religion and gender relations, by loudly proclaiming his thoughts and making people think. Putting people slightly uncomfortable seems to get a real response from his audiences and guests, and inspires discussions on topics that would otherwise not get the attention. Making a career out of talking gives Maher plenty of chances to say how he feels and while he can offend, it is important to note the words he is using as some can misunderstand where his joke is pointed. On his tv series, Maher always invites folks who he disagrees with and for these specials, he gave the audience time for a question and answer period in which he encouraged them to tell him how he is wrong. His success in standup lead him to host talk shows including Politically Incorrect (1993-2002) and the currently airing on HBO, Real Time with Bill Maher (2003-2017). Cynical was filmed in San Francisco and directed by Keith Truesdell (Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker, 1999), Victory was filmed in New York and directed by John Moffitt (Mr. Show with Bob and David, 1995-1998), and Maher himself was born in New York but raised in New Jersey. Maher has made several other specials including I’m Swiss (2005), The Decider (2007), But I’m Not Wrong (2010), and Live from D.C. (2014).
Links
Be More Cynical
2000, 1h 8m
Victory Begins at Home
2003, 1h