“Old Dads: Decoding Bill Burr’s Comedy for the Silver Screen”

The Challenge of Transitioning from Stand-Up Comedy to Film

In the world of entertainment, stand-up comedians have often ventured into filmmaking, attempting to translate their on-stage personas and comedic style onto the silver screen. However, the transition from stand-up comedy to film is not always seamless, as demonstrated by Bill Burr’s latest movie, “Old Dads,” which is set to premiere on Netflix. While Burr is known for his fiery and acerbic stand-up act, the film struggles to capture the same essence and resonance.

An Attempt to Extend Burr’s Stand-Up Act

In “Old Dads,” Bill Burr takes on multiple roles as the director, star, and co-writer alongside Ben Tishler. The film intends to capture the absurdities of modern-day parenting through the character of Jack, played by Burr, who harbors deep animosity towards the privileged world of wheat-germ-eating private-school communities and children dressed in a manner he finds pretentious.

Similar to Burr’s stand-up routine, “Old Dads” incorporates tangential asides and conspicuous riffing on various topics. However, in today’s rapidly evolving world, where sensitivities around certain issues have heightened, Burr’s arbitrary jokes about Caitlin Jenner or easily triggered millennials can come across as gratuitous. Despite Burr’s attempt to parody himself as an out-of-touch dinosaur, these jokes feel out of touch themselves, lacking the nuance required to navigate controversial subjects.

A Familiar Approach with Limited Depth

The narrative of “Old Dads” revolves around Jack, who is about to become a father for the second time. Alongside his friend Connor, played by Bobby Cannavale, they navigate the challenges of raising five-year-old boys. Burr, Cannavale, and co-star Bokeem Woodbine, who plays their business partner Mike, struggle with the changing dynamics of their lives and careers.

The film attempts to create moments of levity, particularly for viewers familiar with specific aspects of Los Angeles culture. However, it is difficult to escape the feeling that “Old Dads” falls into the predictable trope of stand-up comedians trying to carve a narrative out of their routines. The supporting characters often feel like cardboard caricatures, serving as mere targets for Burr’s character’s rants and outbursts.

The Evolving Landscape of Stand-Up Comedy

Stand-up comedy has always held a distinctive place in entertainment due to its ability to challenge societal norms and push boundaries. Comedians like Dave Chappelle and, historically, Woody Allen and Louis C.K., have managed to create remarkable careers by utilizing their comedic talents both on stage and in film.

However, the world has changed significantly since the days when Woody Allen could conjure media theorist Marshall McLuhan in “Annie Hall” to put an academic in his place. The current climate demands a nuanced approach when tackling controversial subjects. While comedians like Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle have defended their right to offend, it is essential to recognize the potential implications and consequences.

The Dilemma of Transitioning to Film

Transitioning from stand-up comedy to film poses numerous challenges, particularly when attempting to preserve the essence and authenticity of a comedian’s stage presence. In the case of “Old Dads,” the film falls short of successfully translating Bill Burr’s comedic style onto the screen.

While Burr’s die-hard fans may still find enjoyment in “Old Dads,” the movie’s sanitized portrayal of his rough edges and the forced adaptation of his stand-up act into a cohesive narrative hamper its overall appeal. This begs the question of whether stand-up comedy should be strictly confined to the stage, where the comedian has the freedom to offend and provoke without the constraints of a pre-determined storyline and characters.

As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, it is crucial for comedians to adapt their craft accordingly. Comedy can remain a vessel for social commentary and critique, but in an era of heightened awareness and sensitivity, the approach must also evolve. The future of stand-up comedy on the screen lies in striking a balance between comedic exploration and cultural responsibility.

“Old Dads” is set to debut on Netflix on October 20 and is rated R.