This is more of a behind the scenes look at a gloomy period in the life of talk show host Conan O’Brien, who was robbed of his talk show hosting duties on “The Tonight Show” in 2010, before being asked to bow out from being an entertainer for months on end after that due to scheduling conflicts and a rival talk show host who shall not be named (but does brag of a big chin and a car collection).
It also gives us an inside look into the tour which he went on despite restrictions, simply because he wanted to continue to entertain and keep his staff employed. One feels sympathetic towards the witty former talk show host in this movie, as well as towards his staff who has to keep up with him. It’s filled with ups and downs and dark humour that’s so self-deprecating it hurts.
Of course, now that the funnyman has bounced back with his new self-titled show on cable (and also shaved off the spite beard which will be missed sorely), this documentary serves as a reminder that one can’t stop, drop, and give up when times get tough, but persevere. It also shows us another side of a comedian known for bringing laughs which isn’t pretty to look at and is rather angsty and spiteful—although he has every right to be.
“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” is a must watch if you want to delve into the backstabbing, ugly side of showbiz that’s often hidden behind the giant velvet curtains and the fancy oak desk.
