IR TV Review: TIG NOTARO - DRAWN [HBO]

The aspect of Tig Notaro's comedy is trying to be unassuming while being oblivious (even though she is mostly not). Notaro is self deprecating in the way that someone faceplants when on an inner tube behind a boat, all smiles until they hit the water. This is why in many ways the idea to make her special on HBO animated is an interesting one. Most of all comedians are inevitably storytellers, using their talents to spin the mundane into reality. Notaro's effect in this stand up special is to show at times how much pain she is in (physical ailments mostly) to make the audience laugh. Most of it is simple social anxiety but the fact that the animation from the beginning to the end of the hour long special evolves is efficient and meaningful (also more costly).

There is a kind of beautiful meta element to it, especially the most Lynchian absurdity of Notaro after teeth surgery zonked out bleeding while asking a girl sunbathing at her pool where her friend is. The last story is a humdinger, especially with the ironic use (and obviously clearance of a song). Granted the special is produced by Ellen DeGeneres so getting clearances is likely not a problem. Some interludes including a perspective on Eddie Van Halen and the Kool Aid Man are harks to Notaro's childhood but it depends on her audience. Gen X will get it but Millennials and younger might just shrug. But Notaro doesn't care. She is doing her and this works in this special. It feels like her, much like Daria would have been in different guise in the Beavis times. "Tig Notaro: Drawn" is not for everyone but it hits its sweet spot by being true to itself. B-

By Tim Wassberg