"Actors want to dissolve into this character and become unrecognizable. Comedians are just the opposite. We're trying to get rid of everything that is not exactly us." This is Jerry Seinfeld in an interview given to Andrew Denton, trying to explain his craft and his body of work, which is completely based on his personal experiences. It is also, as he likes to state it, "not work." I consider Jerry to be a highly inspirational personality in entertainment because he was able to build a solid career based on authenticity. In a time when pretty much all you see in mainstream pop culture sounds and smells fake, Jerry rises as a person that is a character that is a person that is a character that is a person that is… Jerry. Period. A guy with no intention to be something he is not. And he is not perfect.
Jerry is a bearer of inconvenient truths (that do not intend to be absolute). His controversial opinions are firmly stated by him, but hardly ever with arrogance. When arrogance shows up in Seinfeld's words, it really shows up and gives itself the proper name. It is explicit arrogance and, therefore, an expression of humility. Seinfeld is not afraid to state his thoughts out loud, neither is afraid to change his mind. Like when he said that comedy movies shouldn't be made and then, some time later, wrote and starred on Bee Movie (2007). "It takes a lot to put on a movie, I have more respect for moviemakers now." Seinfeld distinguishes himself from the breed of comedians that deliberately offend people with harsh words. But is equally outstanding in the way that he respects other styles of comedy. "I don't have a particular taste. I don't care about what's offensive. I only care if what I see is funny or not. And I have my own style."
In the interview for Andrew Denton, Seinfeld also gives an example of how he surrounds himself with people whom he trusts won't give him easy smiles, like his manager George Shapiro. The honesty in feedback established in their relationship is key for them to make it work. As a young artist working my way into the industry, I often find myself dealing with a considerable set of insecurities and confusion about what is my role in the industry, the old question of "what should I be". When I think of it, all I wish is that I have clarity enough to identify, in my path, what opportunities are in tune with me and what is noise. What amazes me about Jerry and his interviews is that he is able to get rid of all the roles other people try to give him and just be himself. He also communicates all of this in a way that is universally understood. His matters are beyond personal or professional. His craft stands beyond comedy. He is one whole person that amazes millions of people just by being himself.
* Why take a break from the focus of the blog? To attend the requests of Professors Ken DeGilio’s and Ginger Palmisano's Branding Course, part of the Masters of Science Program in Entertainment Business I am currently attending at Full Sail University. This blog is part of the evaluation process of the Program.
No comments:
Post a Comment