The age-old question has been answered: What happens when Darth Vader tries to order food at the Death Star cafeteria? Eddie Izzard, the self proclaimed transvestite comic tackles this and many other questions on the DVD titled “Circle” which was filmed June 26, 2000 in New York City.
In past shows, Izzard has touched on everything from modern problems to historical problems and this time is no different. As usual, you need to have some sense of history and some key players throughout history in order to fully appreciate what he is talking about. Izzard’s strength as a unique comic has always been how he goes off on tangents and just cuts right back to his initial point. This is most likely where the title came from as he spends the entire hour and a half DVD talking in one large circle.
Without giving too much away, i.e. the punch lines, I can say that some of the best jokes have to deal with Jesus, G-d, and their supposed drug problems and how that led to the creation of the dinosaurs on the 145th day of creation. Izzard has never been one to shy away from religion and making fun of the central ideas behind the major world religions. “Blaspheme? Blasphe-you,” he quips while the audience laughs at some of his more supposed blasphemes jokes. He also takes aim at Hitler, the popes, and “Saving Private Ryan.”
Although this set is not quite as funny as some of Izzard’s past works including 1999’s “Dressed to Kill,” Izzard still proves that nothing is off limits, including himself. He has a great sense of when a joke works or does not work and thinks well on toes as he obviously strays from his set script on several occasions. The show is a good addition to any casual or hard-core Izzard fan. I would not, however recommend it to anyone as an introduction to Izzard’s unique comic style and delivery. |