The Creative Philosophy of Bo Burnham
Bo Burnham’s new special, Inside, was filmed alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans and critics alike have given it rave reviews. It’s far from the first 2020 special, but it might be the most impactful piece of media to come out of it.
While Inside could take place at any time in the modern day, the pandemic only exacerbated the issues Burnham discusses. The actual virus isn’t mentioned once in the entire special. It’s only alluded to during one segment where he sarcastically calls the digital world “safe” because “real world human-to-human tactile contact can kill you.”
As a stand-up comedian/director who got his ticket to fame during the early days of YouTube, Bo Burnham has a view from the top. Most of us will never reach the same level of fame but we can all relate to his love/hate relationship with having an audience, and the internet as a whole.
The personal philosophy of Burnham is on full display in Inside. After several viewings, it becomes more and more apparent. Here’s a few lessons I’ve gleaned from it so far.
I recommend you watch the entire special before reading further because I’m about to share some spoilers.
