Bo Burnham’s Inside: The Outtakes takes us deeper into the labyrinth of his mind, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of his critically acclaimed special, Inside. Released on YouTube, The Outtakes is more than just a collection of discarded clips; it’s a standalone piece that invites us to watch Burnham wrestle with the creative process, all while retaining the sharp wit and existential dread that made Inside resonant.
If you have ever worked on a creative project, you can relate to the anxiety of not knowing how it will be perceived, if you should even continue to work on the project and release it to the public or give up. It’s a feeling I know all too well and experience every time I work on a new collection. Each detail is painstakingly considered; the self-doubt creeps in, and nothing you do is ever good enough. Even as an elite-level comedian, Bo shows us that he is not immune to these feelings.
Burnham’s ability to turn the tools of his own anxiety and self-reflection into art is on full display here. In The Outtakes, we see alternate versions of songs, behind-the-scenes footage, and new material that ranges from the absurd to the poignant. The special includes satirical fake ads, segments where Burnham interviews himself, and a podcast spoof that critiques modern-day comedy culture. It’s a chaotic, cluttered, and often surreal experience that mirrors the overwhelming nature of living in a hyper-connected, media-saturated world.
The outtakes feel even lonelier and more haunting than the original Inside, highlighting the solitude and pressure Burnham faced while creating in isolation. Moments like Burnham scrolling on his phone after a take or struggling to capture the perfect shot feel raw and unfiltered, giving us a voyeuristic peek into the unglamorous reality of his creative process. The faux ads and pop-ups layered throughout remind us of the inescapable presence of the internet, a theme Burnham continues to explore with biting humor and sharp critique.
Musically, The Outtakes offers a mix of catchy new tracks and reworked versions of songs from the original special. Standouts include “Living In The Future,” an upbeat yet disheartening tune that wouldn’t be out of place in a club, and “Five Years,” a track that juxtaposes romantic bliss with mundane, relatable bickering. The inclusion of “Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?” adds a layer of metaphor to the special, encapsulating the fear and hesitation many of us felt (and continue to feel) as we navigated life during and after lockdown.
Ultimately, Inside: The Outtakes is a compelling companion piece to the original special, offering fresh material while reinforcing the brilliance of Burnham’s work. It’s a testament to his unique ability to digest pop culture and spit it back out with a mix of humor, despair, and insight. Even in its most fragmented and chaotic moments, The Outtakes remains engaging, reminding us why Burnham’s art resonates so deeply. If Inside was a masterpiece of pandemic-era reflection, The Outtakes is its equally intriguing, slightly unhinged sibling—a must-watch for fans who want to dive even further down the rabbit hole.
Click here to Watch Inside the Outakes
The Sobees Movie Night Score: 4 out of 5
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: Bo Burnham’s “Inside” Review | The Sober Curator
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: Welcome to Movie Night with The Sober Curator, where we explore movies that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into their compelling storylines. Imagine us as your diligent, bee-zy movie critics of the silver screen. In our buzzing hive, we’ve meticulously curated movies and documentaries that delve into these themes, allowing you to buzz through our captivating movie review hive. Our digital shelves are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Documentary sections.
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From the first spark of curiosity to the joyful celebration of milestones, our glossary helps demystify the terminology of sobriety and recovery. Each definition is designed to empower, educate, and support you on your journey toward wellness, self-discovery, and lasting freedom.
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