Film Reviews

Conan O'Brien: Can't Stop

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Andy Richter
• Details: US/99mins TBC

For anyone who follows late night American television, last year had a distinct feeling of deja vu about it. Popular host and comedian Conan O'Brien had been promised the coveted Tonight Show by his bosses at NBC, having turned the show on directly after it, Late Night with Conan O Brien, into a hit franchise. But just like David Letterman was years previous, O'Brien was screwed by the network. They decided to give middle-America's favourite generic host, Jay Leno, his old slot back, angering O'Brien who had only been doing his dream gig a few months and didn't have a chance to build an audience. His response - after a multi-million dollar pay off - was a nationwide tour, which this documentary follows.
Those who have only seen O'Brien in his TV guise (3e broadcast his show, Conan, weeknights at 12.30am) may be shocked at the lack of amiability the funny man shows when his hair is down. That's not to say he's not a nice guy, he's both fair and extremely personable with his staff, but like all comedians, he definitely has a dark side. There seems to be a conflict within him during the tour; he's obviously an inherently creative guy who needs a continuous outlet for that creativity, but the sheer mass of well-wishers he has to deal with on the road are exhausting even to watch. Yet he can't help but entertain them even when not on stage.
Littered with appearances from the likes of Jon Hamm, Jim Carrey and Jon Stewart, when 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer visits O'Brien backstage, you really get to see the him unleash - showcasing an edge more Louis C.K than congenial talk show host. It's never sugar coated and that is where this doc's strength lies; seeing this man go through an extremely difficult time, proactively using laughter as a cure.
It hardly goes deep into O Brien's personal life – showing just enough of his family in glimpses to prove that he obviously adores them - but the point seems to be to chronicle his tour and the various shenanigans that go on with planning and executing a sold out, 32 city juggernaut. The show itself is an eclectic affair with celebrity guests, and it's fair to say his enthusiastic fans get their money's worth.
A look at an extremely funny and talented human being in a dark period of his life, Can't Stop is a mandatory watch for both fans of O'Brien and those with even a passing interest in the mechanics of comedy.

Review by Mike Sheridan