Watch Hannah Gadsby: Nanette

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is a stand-up comedy performance film starring Australian comedian, Hannah Gadsby. Originally released on Netflix in 2018, the show gained widespread attention due to its unconventional structure and the way it subverted traditional stand-up comedy conventions. The show opens with Hannah recounting her experiences growing up as an LGBT individual in Tasmania, where homosexuality was illegal until 1997. Throughout the performance, she touches on a variety of topics, including gender and sexuality, art history, and the challenges of success in the entertainment industry.

The show's title refers to Hannah's decision to use her hour of stand-up comedy as a platform to deliver a powerful message about the nature of humor itself. Instead of just making the audience laugh, Hannah uses her show to deconstruct comedy as a form of social commentary and explore how it can be used as a tool for discrimination and oppression.

One of the standout moments of the performance is when Hannah reveals her diagnosis of autism, which had been previously undiagnosed. She describes the difficulties she faced growing up without knowing she was autistic and the subsequent challenges of coping with sensory overload and other difficulties as an adult.

Throughout the performance, Hannah repeatedly challenges the audience to think critically about their own prejudices and assumptions. She calls out the use of humor to belittle and marginalize people, and asserts that jokes about marginalized groups do not challenge society, but instead reinforce power structures.

While the show is not entirely devoid of humor, the humor is used sparingly and deliberately, to underscore the points Hannah is making. This is a marked departure from traditional stand-up comedy, where jokes are often the primary focus and are used as a means of defusing tension.

Hannah's decision to undermine traditional comedy tropes in this way has garnered a great deal of attention and praise. The show has been lauded for its bravery and its willingness to challenge the conventions of comedy and the relationship between the comedian and the audience. Many viewers have described the show as a transformative experience that has changed the way they think about comedy and the impact it can have on society.

In addition to the show's content, the filmography of the performance is quite masterful. The camera work is intimate and emphasizes Hannah's expressions and gestures, which are a key part of her comedic delivery.

Overall, Hannah Gadsby: Nanette is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of performance art that challenges the traditional boundaries of stand-up comedy. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in comedy, social commentary, or the ways in which art can be used to highlight important issues.