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And yet, its difficult to think about Drew Michaels new HBO specialRed Blue Greenin any other context.
In some ways, thats to Michaels benefit.
Its easier to accept and digest work that can be categorized.
All of that is true!
And at the same time,Red Blue Greensuffers from exactly the same thing that it benefits from.
It is valuable because we knowNanette; it is underwhelming because we knowNanette.
Part of the issue is aesthetic.
For most of the special, though, the direction is more of a hindrance than a help.
Hes a real dude.
The specials final move punctures this to some extent, but when it comes, its too late.
His material about the empty power-coddling comedy of Jimmy Fallon is the high water-mark of the special.
And Im up here, and I want to bring you in.
Thats where this is going, thats the next step, says Michael.
But its hard because I dont know if theres a show down there.
Or, its not really a joke.
In lieu of laughter, music swells.
The camera comes in close, shooting Michael from below, reverently, lovingly.
The stark, colorless gravity of the shows production design turns into an exclamation mark.
See how important this is!
Its sad and important and meaningful.
Their wondering faces are meant to be proof of Michaels achievement.
Beyond that, its not clear why Michael needs them there.
In its final surprise,Red Blue Greenalmost finds a way for Michael to escape his inward-looking regard.
