4: Bo Burnham’s Metamorphasis (2006-2022) : Authenticity vs. Performativity

Reese Grey Analyzes

Jan 23 2022 • 26 mins

Today, we are gonna be talking about the metamorphosis of Bo Burnham’s entire career and how all 3 of his comedy specials actually intertwine with each other, as they are very connected content wise. We’ll be talking about Bo’s struggle with his own concepts of himself and his authenticity. I was inspired to do this because I heard someone describe Bo’s Inside as “Pretentious Self-Importance, disguised as Woke Self-Reflection”. Fair enough, let’s talk about it! We’re going to try and break down his expressions and attempt to evaluate Bo’s authenticity.

This special features a variety of songs and sketches about Burnham's day-to-day life indoors…and despite being released in 2021, this isn’t about COVID or quarantine, but it’s easy to empathize circa it’s release in 2021 because of the current social climate. In general, Bo depicts his deteriorating mental health and explores themes of performativity and his [seemingly unhealthy] relationship to the Internet and the audience he has almost grown dependent upon. Bo, as he does, addresses issues including climate change and social movements and how performativity has creeped into those type of forms of expression as well.

I love Bo’s content & honestly this was a treat to make, it’s a bit different than what I usually make for sure, maybe just a bit more surface level. We don’t really talk about theory, but we don’t always have to. I believe discussion of art & expression is integral to growth, and what better way to do that than by gushing about one of my favorite performers ever. I guess, much like Bo, I’m just a creative person trying to express myself (but on a much tinier stage).

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Okay, Love you <3 Bye~

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