Customer Reviews

Bill Maher - I'm Swiss

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Unlike many people who try to joke about politics, Bill Maher has the distinction of being extremely funny. Even if you disagree with his opinions (as I do when he talks about religion--I happen to believe that religious not only is compatible with leftist thinking, but that the New Testament promotes it), he is very, very funny. Anyone who has seen POLITICALLY INCORRECT or his current show REAL TIME have repeatedly seen those who stand as far to the right as possible laughing their heads off as Maher makes one quip after another. There is no denying that he is a funny, funny man, and he is very funny in this comedy routine, a routine that originally appeared on HBO as a comedy special.

Maher is also, unfortunately, one of the most astute political commentators in America. I say unfortunately because, as Jon Stewart has repeatedly pointed out, there is something extremely sad about two of the finest political analysts in America being comedians. In fact, the only two political columnists I consistently rate above Maher and Stewart for depth of insight are Paul Krugman and E. J. Dionne. Typically, Maher is perceived as being very far to the left, but that is actually somewhat a freak of the times. At many points in the history of the U.S. he would probably be perceived as being much further to the right. He is in many regards, as he often points out himself, a classic libertarian, though without the utopian mania about the blessings that a completely unfettered free market would generate. But he is in many regards pretty much a classic Jeffersonian. Jefferson famously wrote in his NOTES ON VIRGINIA: "It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. In neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." In context Jefferson wrote trying to limit the extent of government in people's lives, but today we see a vast number of people who want to extend the intrusion of religion into goverment because they do feel that policy decisions with which they disagree do in fact do them harm. Gay marriage is the classic example of this. Maher finds this lamentable, and he articulates this over and over. Essentially, he is calling for the same kind of tolerance that Jefferson advocated so strongly. This is not an especially left wing position: Barry Goldwater disliked the rise of the Reaganites because he saw them as meddling too much in the moral lives of individuals.

If intolerance of individual opinion is one of Maher's targets, another is stupidity. He is brilliant at identifying nonsense and characterizing it as such. He is also unswerving in calling a dime a dime. For instance, he points out the cowardly lack of courage shown by the media for referring to Strom Thurmond's fathering a child by a black servant in the 1925 Jim Crow South Carolina as "having an affair," as if and 18-year-old black servant had any choice in the matter. Maher calls it what it almost certainly was: rape.

But as he calls our attention to one political issue after another, Maher laces it with humor. So, in the end there are two very good reasons to see this, first to be entertained, and second to be informed. Either reason would be sufficient on its own, but together they make this a must-see.

I've been a fan of Bill Maher for a long time. So when I bought "I'm Swiss," I had a vague idea of what to expect from him. It is Bill Maher after all! I know all about his politics and his usual routines, but this special was way more than I expected. Not only is he extremely funny, but he hits hard and makes many good points about the state of the country in which we live. It is just too good! Even my mom, who has seen all of his other work, said that this is his best special by far. Longer too, running about 90 minutes give or take ten. If you find the society in which we live here in America embarrasing then pick this up, laugh until you pass out, and then decide for yourself whether or not youi're Swiss too.

After seeing Maher's brilliant "Be More Cynical" and "Victory Begins at Home" performances, (as well as the home-run "New Rules" segments on HBO's Real Time), I found "I'm Swiss" to be a comedic disappointment. That is, if this is even intended to be a comedy show.

Maher's views are a much appreciated departure from the lock-step drivel spewed by our conservative media, but billed as a comedy show (if that's how it is billed), this performance falls remarkably short. Maher's previous DVDs are both thought provoking and hilarious, while "I'm Swiss" is merely thought provoking. It's not so awkward that you're squirming in your seat when the laughs don't come as you would with other comedians--in fact there's probably very few comedians that could really do a show like this. Maher proves he doesn't have to be funny to be watchable. But ultimately this becomes a "spoken word" performance for Maher--for better or for worse--and therefore I have to conclude it's also really not material for the uninitiated. If you're already familiar with Maher's genius, you'll probably like this--but laugh-out-loud funny it is not.

On perhaps a "positive" note (depending on your viewpoint) Maher steers unusually clear of the topic of women on this DVD. So perhaps this content will go over easier with those who on previous releases may have been quick to characterize Maher as a misogynist or be easily offended. Personally I missed that material as there's really no one out there who speaks as Maher does on these types of topics, but he sticks almost entirely to politics on this one.

Even if this DVD is not a laugh a minute, Maher's astute commentary and ability to say out loud so much of what I have been thinking for the past year (!) make this performance wonderfully entertaining. I know that there must be people out there who think the way he does as well, as I can't be Maher's only fan. Don't get me wrong...there are plenty of laughs. He just takes his time in setting up jokes and also gives some lengthy explanations and opinions, all welcome in my view. I was never bored watching this. Bush fans be warned: this DVD is not for you. Maher gives me hope at a time when I had begun to think that I am living in a place where no one thinks as I do, and I actually clapped to the television several times. Ridiculous I know, but I have only my dogs and cats as witnesses.

What can I say but this: He is witty, humorous, and has many great points. You don't have to agree or disagree to find this a refreshing show.

Bill Maher is the modern Oracle of Delphi, insane enough to see the truth we foolsih mortals, so easily confused, rarely see. His insights sometimes make you laugh along with him so hard your sides hurt.

Bill Maher has been funny since "Politically Incorrect" and his show "Real Time" is great, but I believe his true calling is stand-up. The ease of his "jokes" come across like he is talking to a friend and educating at the same time. As far as content goes, not for the weak of opinion, he is clearly not without a very strong one. Agree or not, he does make valid points. And the Q&A as an extra is a fun little addition that I wish more political comedians would do. It does show that they are more in touch with the people.

The downfall of this production IS the production. Horrible angles, spotty lighting, etc.
However, this is still a very good show, with Maher at his most irreverent. Not so much a cause or a message, just some good old-fashioned dissent from the guy who does it best.
He rails on, lamenting and languishing America, dissenting, exposing his plight by proxy of body language. A lot of improvisation in this one. I mean he has his notes, but frequently deviates and you can tell. For that alone--and the fact that he really comes unglued a few times, well worth it.

Not as good as "Victory" or "Cynical," but worth your while.

Check it out.

I've been watching Maher since he had his Politically Incorrect show on ABC. I even remember him on a Showtime sitocom in the 80s. Though he may offend many, he manages to remain funny. The point of his humor is that you should be able to talk about any subject. He is a fan of Ann Coulter although he disagrees with her views. He doesn't have as extreme a viewpoint, but he presents subject matter such as gay marriage in a different way than most. His rift about legislating behavior is on target. Most entertainers avoid politics so it's fun to hear someone he delves right into the fire.

This show was incredible. Maher's integrity is unmatched by few and he adds his clever wit and wisdom to religion, the world, and pot!! Buy this DVD and you won't be disappointed!!