Nick Kroll, a comedy powerhouse from Kroll Show and Big Mouth, reunites with Mike Birbiglia for a nostalgic chat. They dive into their college improv days and how silliness fuels comedy. Nick shares a hilarious anecdote about F. Murray Abraham during Oh, Hello's Broadway run. The duo also discusses the evolution of comedy from live venues to digital platforms, the importance of hard work, and the complexities of friendship amidst fame, fatherhood, and creative endeavors.
Nick Kroll reflects on collaborating with Mel Brooks, emphasizing the blend of nostalgia and modern humor in 'History of the World Part II'.
Kroll discusses the impact of cancel culture on comedy, advocating for a return to silliness as a vital source of relief and enjoyment.
Deep dives
Collaboration with Mel Brooks
The conversation centers around the exciting collaboration between Nick Kroll and Mel Brooks on the project 'History of the World Part II.' Kroll highlights the significance of Brooks' original film in his formative years, expressing deep admiration for Brooks as a mentor and icon in the comedy world. The partnership involved creating fresh content that embodies the humorous essence Brooks is known for, while also assembling a talented creative team, including Wanda Sykes and Ike Barinholtz. This project is not just a revival but a modern comedic exploration, aiming not to take itself too seriously amidst a climate of heavier comedic themes.
The Art of Comedy in Current Times
Kroll discusses the shifting landscape of comedy, particularly the impact of cancel culture and audience sensitivities. He notes how there's a fine line between humor that is silly versus humor that can be misinterpreted, causing concern among comedians about what is deemed acceptable. This observation prompts a sense of relief and catharsis as Kroll and his team return to their roots of silly and unapologetic comedy, reminiscent of Brooks’ earlier works. They emphasize that silliness can be a refreshing escape, allowing both creators and audiences to enjoy light-hearted humor without the burden of ramifications.
Navigating Celebrity Dynamics
The discussion also touches on the publicity surrounding the film 'Don't Worry Darling,' particularly the strange virality stemming from off-screen drama rather than the film itself. Kroll reflects on how this can overshadow the artistry and effort put into filmmaking, making the public more interested in engaging narratives about the cast than the movie's content. He highlights the importance of separating the art from the artist, lamenting how much effort goes into creating cinema, which can be overlooked due to extraneous gossip. This section reveals the complexities that entertainers face in the age of social media.
The Essence of Autobiographical Storytelling
Kroll shares insights on the importance and challenges of autobiographical storytelling within comedy. He parallels his experiences to those of Mike Birbiglia, discussing how vulnerability in sharing personal stories can resonate with audiences on a deeper level. This segment acknowledges the balancing act of comedy, as comedians navigate how much of their personal lives to share while remaining entertaining and relatable. Kroll underscores that specificity in storytelling, such as referencing particular experiences and emotions, tends to forge stronger connections between the performer and the audience.
Nick Kroll and Mike met in college and started doing improv and sketch comedy together. Since then, Nick has become a comedy superstar, from his Comedy Central series Kroll Show, to Oh, Hello, to the animated series Big Mouth and Human Resources, to roles in films like Don’t Worry Darling and the Hulu series History of the World Part II. Now the old friends sit down for a candid conversation about Nick’s new projects, memories from their college improv days, and how comedy benefits from silliness. Plus, Nick shares a gem of a story about F. Murray Abraham from his and John Mulaney’s legendary Oh, Hello Broadway run.