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Sometimes it longs to be a concert; sometimes the special veers into the confessional, even journalistic.
Insides most insistent form, though, is self-portrait.
Burnham is fascinated by, delighted by the ability to transform himself through different gears of performance.
In between those high-key character performances,Insides self-portraiture sometimes shifts into a much older mode.
In the moment, though, he sees only himself.
That absent audience plagues Burnham throughoutInside.
Sometimes he adds laugh tracks into the songs.
Sometimes the interstitial scenes are a direct audience address, andInsides opening songs are questions.
Should he stop trying to be funny?
What is the point of comedy when the world is falling apart?
Should he, a white guy, even be saying anything at all?
If you came across a person in a burning house, why would you ever offer them a joke?
The questions come pre-packaged with their own answers, though.
Look, I made you some content, he sings at the beginning.
Daddy made you your favorite; open wide.
He has only himself.
Sometimes he literally projects them onto himself, with his white T-shirt as the blank screen.
Insideis not transcendent it just cant be.
It is an incredible accomplishment, a testament to Burnhams genius at directing, writing, songwriting, performance.
There are a few overwhelming moments of empathy and warmth, too.
Can I interest you in everything, all of the time?
Burnham sings, about the internet but also about this special.
The answer is yes.
