‘Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald’ Offers a Loving Tribute to the Late Comedian
Director Judd Apatow crafts a documentary that prioritizes Macdonald's comedic voice and chosen narrative over a strict biographical account.
The new Netflix documentary, ‘Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald,’ directed by Judd Apatow, serves as a tribute to the late comedian, utilizing recordings from Macdonald's audiobook and a slightly fictionalized narrative approach.
Macdonald himself, in audio clips, reflects on his career, describing stand-up comedy as a "shabby business" populated by "shabby fellas." He pondered his legacy, particularly his time on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ noting the uncertainty that follows a departure from the show if massive fame doesn't ensue. The documentary touches upon his 1998 firing from SNL, which followed his critiques of O.J. Simpson. However, Apatow emphasizes Macdonald's skill as a joke writer and teller, incorporating praise from David Letterman and Howard Stern.
The film loosely follows Macdonald's biographical arc, drawing from his book "Based On A True Story: Not A Memoir." It recounts his early life, his aspirations to appear on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,’ and his eventual move to Los Angeles, where he wrote for ‘Roseanne’ and later gained a spot on SNL after a recommendation from Adam Sandler to head writer Jim Downey. Macdonald's roles in films like ‘Dirty Work,’ his decision not to roast Bob Saget, and his appearance on ‘The View’ to promote his sitcom, ‘The Norm Show,’ are also briefly revisited.
A significant portion of the documentary addresses Macdonald's battle with cancer, which he largely kept private. The film includes his jokes about confronting the illness, such as his assertion that the brave thing to do is not talk about it. Macdonald also used humor to deflect comments about his weight gain, attributing it to steroid treatments.
Apatow opts not to include new interviews with Macdonald's peers, aligning with the comedian's preference for remaining an enigma. This approach, the review suggests, allows Macdonald's chosen narrative to take precedence over a more factual or critical examination of his life. Consequently, some of the more controversial aspects of his life, such as his gambling habits or his public defenses of Roseanne Barr and Louis C.K., are only briefly mentioned.
Despite the omissions, the documentary offers poignant moments, including footage of Macdonald with his mother and son, and his final stand-up performance at the Improv in March 2020. The review concludes that while Macdonald may have lost many jobs due to his principled stance, he remained true to his comedic vision, earning him a devoted fanbase. For his fans, ‘Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald’ is a recommended viewing.