See how they 'Rise' up
I don't know how the whole "women aren't funny" thing really got started. It's become the trendy thing to say - for men and women alike - despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Or maybe I should say, because.
In the 1950s, a woman going up on stage to tell jokes - especially jokes about being a woman - was unheard of. Yet that's exactly what Phyllis Diller did, prompting a slow but steady stream of other women comics to burst out onto the scene. From improv to stand-up to a certain show not ready for prime time, these women have made their marks in American comedy. Diverse in personality, content, and demeanor, these comics recount their professional struggles and the ever-present gender dynamics that have stood in their way. Kohen lets these comics - writers, comedians, and club owners have their say in this enlightening account of funny women of the past 60 years.
This has been said before, but it's so true: comedy is serious business. We Killed is a prime example, but the wealth of information and its attempt history to document history makes this an asset rather than a defect. It's true that famous faces dot the front cover, but inside we're introduced to influential women of the sixties and seventies, women responsible for changing the tide and making decisions that affect the legacy of not only female comics, but comedy in general. Kohen's dedication to historical accuracy and background effectively turns this into a primer for the evolution of modern comedy. The focus on women is very present - and illuminating on other scores - but the history aspect is just as appealing. Kohen manages to stitch together accounts from interviews and quick bouts of historical and social context in order to create a flowing narrative. And, of course, fans of old- and new school comedy will love the inclusion of funny names like Ellen Degeneres, Sarah Silverman, Lily Tomlin, Maya Rudolph, and (one of my favorites) Paula Poundstone. The from-the-horse's-mouth format works well here, although Kohen's not interested in the gossip and sniping that can potentially ensue. I wish Kohen had managed to interview some heavyweights like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, both of whom are cited as trailblazers. She also skips over some of the more "mainstream" comics like Carol Burnett to focus on the "edgy" comedy counterculture of the time - it shows a bit of a bias. But other than these minor details, We Killed is an enjoyable, lively book that conveys a vivid, if slightly rushed, sense of history and numerous insights on women's triumphs and struggles in the comedy world.
Rating: 4 Saturday Night Live head writers out of 5.
This has been said before, but it's so true: comedy is serious business. We Killed is a prime example, but the wealth of information and its attempt history to document history makes this an asset rather than a defect. It's true that famous faces dot the front cover, but inside we're introduced to influential women of the sixties and seventies, women responsible for changing the tide and making decisions that affect the legacy of not only female comics, but comedy in general. Kohen's dedication to historical accuracy and background effectively turns this into a primer for the evolution of modern comedy. The focus on women is very present - and illuminating on other scores - but the history aspect is just as appealing. Kohen manages to stitch together accounts from interviews and quick bouts of historical and social context in order to create a flowing narrative. And, of course, fans of old- and new school comedy will love the inclusion of funny names like Ellen Degeneres, Sarah Silverman, Lily Tomlin, Maya Rudolph, and (one of my favorites) Paula Poundstone. The from-the-horse's-mouth format works well here, although Kohen's not interested in the gossip and sniping that can potentially ensue. I wish Kohen had managed to interview some heavyweights like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, both of whom are cited as trailblazers. She also skips over some of the more "mainstream" comics like Carol Burnett to focus on the "edgy" comedy counterculture of the time - it shows a bit of a bias. But other than these minor details, We Killed is an enjoyable, lively book that conveys a vivid, if slightly rushed, sense of history and numerous insights on women's triumphs and struggles in the comedy world.
Rating: 4 Saturday Night Live head writers out of 5.
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