Chris Gethard: Career Suicide

Chris Gethard: Career Suicide is a 2017 autobiographical one-man show, filmed as a comedy special for HBO, featuring stand-up comedian Chris Gethard. The film, which is a brilliantly captured adaption of Gethard's critically-acclaimed off-Broadway show of the same name, explores his real-life experiences with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts – but instead of communicating them in a solemn, somber tone, Gethard translates them through his unique brand of self-deprecating dark humor. His goal in doing so – to destigmatize mental health issues and open up a dialogue about them, through the cathartic medium of comedy.

Patrick Cotnoir, the director, and Gethard take viewers on an emotional journey, plowing deep into the intricacies of Gethard's personal struggle, while continuously drawing out laughter in the most unlikely of circumstances. But besides its hilarious anecdotes and laugh-out-loud moments, Chris Gethard: Career Suicide progresses beyond being just another comedy special. It becomes a deeply personal and powerfully relatable narration of mental health struggles that resonate with viewers across different walks of life.

Throughout the show, Gethard excavates some of the most vulnerable chapters of his life to the surface, fearlessly sharing his stories with remarkable honesty and vulnerability. Gethard's nimble handling of touchy subjects breaks down the barriers between performer and audience, making for an intimate viewing experience.

Although Gethard is known for his work on stage, stand-up, and even some film and television roles, his raw performance in Chris Gethard: Career Suicide showcases a different and incredibly refreshing side to him. His shocking authenticity, unfiltered narrative style, and charming delivery dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health– something that society often chooses to overlook or sidestep.

Gethard's open dialogue about his experiences with therapy, the challenges, and also the support from loved ones during beastly times layer the film with a compassionate perspective. Not only does he talk about his struggles and the road to recovery but also invariably points out that it’s okay to ask for help. This refreshing shift in content from a stand-up comedian offers useful insights into coping with mental health issues while normalizing the discussion around this crucial subject.

The special opens with Gethard sitting on a stool on a minimally set stage, reminiscing about his childhood in New Jersey and his transition into adulthood — the period when he first started noticing the onset of depression. As the film progresses, Gethard delves powerfully into how his mental health impacted his career, relationships, and overall life.

The director, Patrick Cotnoir, effectively employs Gethard's candid storytelling through simple yet powerful cinematography, successfully transferring the intimacy and relatability of a live stage show to the screen. He paints a poignant and stark picture of Gethard's experiences with mental health, proving that laughter can be the best medicine, even when talking about grave subjects like suicide and depression.

Gethard’s genius resides in his devastating honesty which results in a masterfully paced mixture of hilarity and pathos. His command at blending serious subjects with humor makes what could potentially be a depressing narrative into a surprisingly uplifting and humorous catharsis. This show introduces viewers to Gethard as they have never seen him before – vulnerable, brutally honest, and self-reflective.

On its surface, Chris Gethard: Career Suicide appears to be an unconventional comedy show, but, at its core, it's a bold testimony from a man who has fought earnestly against his demons and come out on the other side with hope and humility. The film can be viewed as part therapy session, part stand-up, and part autobiography.

Chris Gethard: Career Suicide works as a comedy special thanks to its witty and well-constructed jokes, but it also stands as a deeply moving and profoundly intimate story of a man's battle with his inner demons. It's a film that not only entertains but may also provide viewers the courage and reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles. Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, it's a testament to Gethard's courage and a tribute to the healing power of comedy.