Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One (2020 TV Special) User Reviews

Honest

[jyatesnewyork · 8/10 · 23 February 2020]

It's not too funny to experience Whitmer Thomas' autobiographical humor. Actually it's pretty painful. I stuck with it because he didn't attempt to hide all the things which had affected him, since his birth it seems, from the camera. I was curious. I was rewarded by this portrayal. It includes his deceased mother's twin sister (they were in a band together called Syn Twister-Whitmer sings a bit of their song , "He's So Hot"). It shows him with his aunt, his father, his cousin and others. They have gone in and out of his life. Most of all, his mother. This has shaped his life in traumatic ways. But then again, that is how a comic is forged. This is humor of the heartbreaking sort, but worth watching if you can handle it.

I'm sort of predisposed to find this appealing.

[matthewssilverhammer · 7/10 · 18 September 2020]

An aging, southern scene kid with a dark sense of humor & lots of emotional neurosis...it's familiar, for sure. Thomas's talent is undeniable, creating a Bo Burnham like form of "stand-up" that is so alt it's almost anti. His stuff is a rougher than Burnham's, & the film's consistent inward focus borders on self-obsession. Still, the half-and-half combo of honest live-comedy & a documenting of his reuniting with family works well enough to forgive the self-pitying imperfections.

Worth watching .... but ....

[cekadah · 7/10 · 28 February 2020]

Whitmer Thomas presents himself with an amusing take on his personal life. He's funny and the viewer can be challenged to 'go-with-the-flow' on some of his stories. His stand-up show can best be described as 'disturbingly funny'!

Moving, Unique, Amazing

[sabr4 · 9/10 · 3 May 2020]

Part documentary, part stand-up, part concert, this special is a satisfying rollercoaster ride through a young man's love, grief and triumph. It's raw and you may feel he's processing it all right in front of you. Definitely a laugh and cry kind of comedy. Reminds me a bit of Tig Notaro's One Mississippi.

How...?

[garyhackmeyer · 1/10 · 29 February 2020]

I'm sorry that this guy's life was so sad, but..., HOW?? How did HBO green light this "comedy special"? I guess it's a generational thing, but, HOW does anybody find this funny/entertaining/interesting on any level? This was just God-awful, and I had to turn it off half-way through. It's one thing to discuss tragedy in a comedic way: it's another thing when this guy performs.

HOW, HBO? How...?

Transcendent Comedy

[GTEarle · 10/10 · 10 April 2020]

The Golden One has held the spot as my favorite comedy special since I saw it live. With all the added documentary footage and editing jokes, this might just be my favorite piece of art. If you feel alienated by this special because of its refusal to be a traditional comedy special, you're really missing the point.

The new wave of comedy has been pioneered by performers who are willing to be vulnerable and blend art forms. The state of comedy has evolved into a one-man show, and performers like Whit who are pushing boundaries should be given unlimited creative resources.

A24 is a consistently high-quality outlet, so is HBO. With Bo Burnhan and Chris Storer producing, this is poised to be a landmark special.

Astounding!.. That he's not working in a Taco Bell

[yowilwasup · 1/10 · 14 December 2021]

Shocking lack of humor or laughs of any kind. I watched in a kind of dumbfound sadness as he told his story and sang his songs. The only shots of the audience laughing is cut aways. These "reaction shots" likely aren't associated with the jokes. Basically I saying that it seems as if they used a "laugh track". They rarely show the audience and most of the time they are shot from behind and the audience is (almost) totally motionless as they laugh. Once the disembodied laughter is heard you can't unsee it. Gen Z has found it's spokesperson... confident without cause, whiney, talent free, approved thought "entertainment". You should definitely watch this special, you will appreciate stand up, storytelling and song of other artists sooooooo much more.

Laughing through painful tears

[effmymind · 10/10 · 20 March 2020]

Was not expecting to have to deal with feelings. I feel honored to know that this exists. Whitmer created something truly honest and special. Thank you for your story, your art, and the laughs.

The comedy equivalent of a speedball

[rastac · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

Watching a joke and knowing it's funny while feeling deep sadness is my experience with this special. The jokes are good. The subject material is intense. It's more like a novel than a comedy special. It's a masterpiece and will be remembered as such.

You know? At first I hated it.

[GrumpyHistory · 9/10 · 20 November 2022]

The intro song wasn't the most musically technical brilliance, but it was lyrically sound. I continued. The act started and it was awkward. In a way that felt on purpose but not endearing. Then it continued. The cohesion came and went, but the rambling became endearing. Then it became funny. Some of the songs were of questionable quality, but they cut to and away quickly enough to not lose me. In all, I liked the songs...even the ones I didn't think were great. It's hard to explain, but he grows on you. And his persona is the joke. Or is that his personality? Either way, this is a unique ride, and my recommendation is to ride it out. I think it's worth it. Really8/10, but giving it nine to bump the rating.