When we think about superheroes today, many filling your local cinema screens, particularly this year, what do we think of? People who stand for truth, justice, and the "American" way (whatever that is), right? I find it important and notable that no new standout mainstream creations have been created in modern comics, let alone translated to the masses via Hollywood. Sure, Spawn is a notable important character but has failed to move out of the 90s. Even though these 20th century archetypes are still very popular, doesn't it beg the question: has all the great ideas been taken? Or has the public and artists alike became too bombarded by superheroes and action heroes that wish to neither consume or create anything new in an attempt to repress the trend-turned-mainstay phenomenon? Particularly in a post 9/11 world, the American and international audience is always looking for the more darker, realistic, and more sarcastic view of society and what it means to define a "hero".
What a great irony it is then that this hero has firmly arrived with the presence of Larry David. Co creator of the sitcom classic Seinfeld and creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, David represents the very best and very worst of what it means to be an American. He plays himself on the show, albeit somewhat fictitiously, in a manner you would expect to be truly him. However, he insists that the show's Larry acts as how the real one thinks, not as how he really behaves. If this is the case, as I'm sure it is, David's mind is not that different from that of our own. It's just his style of action is what sets him apart from the average human being.
Larry has taken to semi-retirement after producing the hit show, Seinfeld. Occasionally, he'll even use this credit to try to get exclusive or special privileges, despite the fact that he says he would never do such a thing. Although he has an office he frequently visits, nothing is really ever accomplished. Him and his ex wife seemed to be happy together until she finally had enough of his neurotic behavior. With their divorce, David doesn't particularly feel happy or sad. More like indifferent. What exactly was this neurotic behavior, you may ask?
David never shies away from pointing out or complaining about things he perceives to be wrong with people, culture, or himself even. His off color comments have gotten him into trouble with blacks, gays, Republicans, the disabled, Christians, fellow Jews, collaborators, even family and the best of friends. His unapologetic temperament make him one of lovable and detestable qualities. His general apathy for how other think or feel can make him courageous yet cold man. It's not that he's seeking people out to insult and have an agenda against groups or individuals. He just calls things as he sees them, political correctness be damned.
However, as seen in the above clip, Larry can at times be a bit of a hypocrite. This makes me think that he doesn't necessarily agree with the statement he's making; it just kills him to see someone else get away with the thing he's preaching about. He rarely admits these contradictions, as I think that the character fells to see them, as he battles solely for his own convenience. Two Examples:
It would be impossible for me to cite Larry's never-ending battle with the trivial, as I would be forced to give the full plot details of every episode of the show. But some examples: the verbal exclamation of "LOL", tipping coordination, holding someone to their word when it was clear they were initially joking, getting out of charity events just because you sincerely don't care as a human being...I could go on and on. Whether we want to admit it or not, such trivial pursuits are something we all spend time obsessing over, whether they become verbal or not. His honesty is simply refreshing because of how ultimately ugly it is and what it implies about him. We work everyday to hide such imperfections and truths, even though it leaves us being dishonest with the majority of people we encounter.
Larry David's brashness and unapologetic tone is something that I certainly aspire to be with people. That ability to tell people how idiotic they or their actions are is something that, sure, may be rude, but is certainly truthful. And in a society that constantly aspires to possess truthful art and heroes, wouldn't this make David the most important artist and champion for us all?
Having said that, I leave you with this: one of the most genuine moments of the series. Keep that in mind.
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