I don't think Dave Chappelle has generally seemed as offensive as some people make him out to be, but he doubles down on that stuff here a little because of the backlash. It is a bit eye-rolling when it happens. Not because it's offensive, but because it's so expected and unsurprising, and the best standup comedy often surprises, brings something new to the table, or gives you something to think about. Or a special can get by on just being really funny, and though there are a few laughs here and there throughout The Dreamer, I do feel it's very disappointing by Chappelle's usual standards. I think he phoned this one in a bit, but thankfully not as much as Gervais phoned his last one in.
Also, I feel Netflix are culpable in trying to get public outrage and backlash to a maximum. The service has released two specials from prolific, oftentimes controversial comedians almost back to back, and at a time when family gatherings are at their most common. I wonder if they want different generations to argue about and discuss these specials at Christmas parties.
Also, I have mixed feelings about the final stretch of this special, when Chappelle gets a little more serious and perhaps philosophical. It's not bad, but his thought-provoking stuff is usually more interesting than this too, just like his funny parts in his better specials are funnier than the funny parts of this special. I hope he gets a bit more time to put out his next one, because this, while listenable, is very much under-cooked.
Also, I feel Netflix are culpable in trying to get public outrage and backlash to a maximum. The service has released two specials from prolific, oftentimes controversial comedians almost back to back, and at a time when family gatherings are at their most common. I wonder if they want different generations to argue about and discuss these specials at Christmas parties.
Also, I have mixed feelings about the final stretch of this special, when Chappelle gets a little more serious and perhaps philosophical. It's not bad, but his thought-provoking stuff is usually more interesting than this too, just like his funny parts in his better specials are funnier than the funny parts of this special. I hope he gets a bit more time to put out his next one, because this, while listenable, is very much under-cooked.