Here is one of the legendary sted-up performances that continues to inspire followers, as its echoes are clearly visible in the best shows on the stage of the next generation of black comedians like Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock. By 1982, Richard Pryor had already undergone rehabilitation after the infamous arson incident, which will become the reason for a series of miniatures. However, time and experience left an imprint on the great comedian and in Live on the Sunset Strip he looks a little tired, not as active as before moving around the stage, not as interacting with the audience – the first 30 minutes seem to feel confident. However, Pryor still literally exudes comedic energy, which can only be envied.
In the already familiar form for the author, the show itself on the stage is preceded by the shooting of the city and Richard’s path to the stage, under the spotlights of a powerful spotlight and the deafening applause of those who came. Here is an almost canonical format for Pryor to communicate with the public, through an abundance of plot mini-stories. Each of the miniatures lasts from a few tens of seconds to a couple of minutes. Of course, not all equally attract attention and cause at least a smile, but the abundance of successful humor more than compensate for less vivid topics. When the performance comes to an end, on this side of the screen you try to collect all the main themes and jokes in your head, and you don’t have enough fingers on both hands. However, some miniatures are depressing.
Live on the Sunset Strip is a very personal performance. And although many successful stand-up masters have long saddled the formula of success, telling about their experiences personally, Pryor goes even further in this regard. By 1982, a successful rich man known to millions was freely sharing, of course, the absurd details of his biography. A guy from a wealthy family tried drugs, participated in crimes, communicated with the mafia. Richard also gives views on marital relations on the example of his marriage. His first passage to the public from the stage concerns the coveted theme of sex. At the same time, after a trip to Africa, the idea of race in humor changes its form.
7.5 out of 10