Lecture Notes on Norm Macdonald's Comedy Style

Introduction

• Norm Macdonald: a comedian who acts as a litmus test for people's sense of humor.
• Strong division in audience: people either find him hilarious or not funny at all.
• Devoted to his own sense of humor; doesn’t pander to audiences.

Norm’s Philosophy and Approach

• Misconception: Norm doesn't care about audience opinions.
  • Instead, he doesn’t let the audience dictate his direction.
• Devoted to the craft: spends thousands of hours honing his material.
• Rejects tailoring jokes to audience expectations.
• Example: During SNL's Weekend Update, told shocking jokes to unsettle audiences instead of pandering.

Notable Example

• Hosting the ESPYs: shocking joke aimed toward Charles Woodson.

Dedication and Influence

• Known for dedication to his craft and sophisticated humor.
• Highly intelligent, well-read, particularly in Russian literature.
  • Known for using complex names and references.
• Norm’s act: based on folksy, dopey innocence similar to a magician’s lifelong disguise.

Joke Philosophy

• Norm insists his jokes always have punchlines that make sense.
  • Mislabeling as anti-comic or meta-comic.

Styles of Jokes

• Transition from super short jokes to long, rambling ones with intricate narratives.
• Example: Joke from “Me Doing Stand-Up” about 24-hour news and detailed murder scenario.
• Often lengthy jokes with multiple layers and punchlines.

Intelligence in Comedy

• Word choice and phrasing are precise but understated.
• Jokes appear as simple but are structurally complex if scrutinized.

Legacy and Impact

• Norm refuses to use stand-up as a stepping stone to greater fame.
• Considers stand-up an art to perfect rather than a means to an end.

Conclusion

• Norm's comedy: designed to have long-lasting impact.
  • Built to be remembered over the years for its sophisticated construction.
• Emphasizes the value of a journey with a worthwhile payoff in the end.
• Famous “moth” joke’s punchline: stayed true to his comedic ethos.