Stand-up comedy has blown up the past couple decades, and now even with the birth of social media practically anyone can call themselves a comedian. With greater access to the world and faster ways to grow their audiences, comedians in the new age have it made. There was a time when said feat wasn’t so easy, and though there are comedians and there comedians, there are also geniuses who set the standard as well as stand the test of the time. That would be Eddie Murphy.
Most audiences of today know Murphy for his movies. His fame reached new heights with films such as Coming to America and The Nutty Professor and more, in which he famously played multiple characters in those movies. It is true, his comedic films are legendary. Yet audiences of yesterday remember Murphy when he stood on stage with the mic. Way back when, the show to see was Eddie Murphy Raw. The stand-up special sounds like exactly what it is: a raw, unfiltered show of Murphy in true form. In ‘Raw’, Murphy covers everything from the idea of marriage and divorce, alimony, women, sex, and dating in the 80s. Sure much of the content is dated, but it’s undeniable that a fair share of the material would hold up in today’s climate.
Eddie Murphy shows the world of entertainment the true meaning of crossing the boundaries in Eddie Murphy Raw. The true strength of his performance lies in his fearlessness. There is nothing he won’t say, or is afraid to say in this event. Live in to New York City audience in 1987, Murphy controls the pace of his hour and a half show in spectacular fashion, transitioning to and from subjects with ease, and landing the most exceptional call-backs to roaring laughter from his live audience. His act includes a number of stories, impressions of other famous comedians from that era, hysterical hypotheticals, and comedic bits that could only come from the mind of a comedic mastermind. There’s no doubt that much of what’s said in this special would be less than acceptable today, a topic of discussion that Murphy has long since addressed, but regardless he holds his audience. What viewers must remember is that these are just jokes, and that though sometimes offensive, comedians like Murphy are often times required to push the limits and address sensitive topics in order for people to think.
Eddie Murphy shows the world of entertainment the true meaning of crossing the boundaries in Eddie Murphy Raw.
Murphy’s always been a risk taker. Just when people think he won’t or can’t, he does. Murphy goes there, even when it may have been better if he didn’t, though it could be argued that sometimes someone has to. What he proves is that comedians can be some of the world’s greatest critical thinkers, occasionally tackling the taboo subjects that people are afraid to address normally. People like Murphy are arguably needed to understand where the lines and rules are socially, and when/if ever it’s alright to cross them. Stop over to Amazon Prime and enjoy this smash hit classic.
P.S. Now on Netflix in select areas!
