Ricky Gervais in a spot of bother

[Tooting Gull]

I think that Science/Susan Boyle clip does undermine what Gervais is saying about 'Mong' having nothing to do with Down's these days. It is clear from his actions and expressions he knows exactly what it means. He'd be better off saying 'Yes it is, but I don't care', at least that would be honest.

 

[clapham_gull]

Oh come on, who else has had the same impact in the last 10 years?

Name me one Briton.

Are you talking about comedy or television entertainment generally ?

Top Gear is viewed all over the world and that's not even taking into account the associated stuff like websites, magazines, live roadshows, exhibitions etc.

So one person who has had a bigger impact (massively so) is Clarkson ! I go as far to say that he instantly more recognisable on a global stage. 350 million viewers apparently...

 

[terryberry1]

Oh come on, who else has had the same impact in the last 10 years?

Name me one Briton.

Lee Nelson Bruv

 

[Tooting Gull]

Why would anyone overseas buy our version of Strictly Come Dancing?

Half the people in this country, me included, don't know who the 'celebs' are.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

So one person who has had a bigger impact (massively so) is Clarkson !

If those figures are correct, then point well made. Then again, Clarkson's not exactly shy of a headline or two himself, is he?

Remember Trucker-gate?

I also think that anyone who would rather watch Doctor Who/Strictly Come Dancing over The Office/Extras shouldn't be allowed a TV license. But that's just my opinion, naturally.

Edit: It's also worth noting that Dr. Who, Strictly and Top Gear are franchises with large teams and budgets behind them, whereas I meant more the actual individual that had the most impact, not TV show. Although Clarkson still fits this description.

 

[Tooting Gull]

I also think that anyone who would rather watch Doctor Who/Strictly Come Dancing over The Office/Extras shouldn't be allowed a TV license.

Or a vote.

 

[clapham_gull]

Oh come on, who else has had the same impact in the last 10 years?

Name me one Briton.

Another, Rowan Atkinson.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

Another, Rowan Atkinson.

Last 10 years? He did 2 (or 3) Bean Movies and a couple of Johnny English films.

I absolutely love Rowan Atkinson, but I think its fair to say his biggest impact was in the 80's, with Blackadder and his stand up. He's still great, mind you.

 

[clapham_gull]

Last 10 years? He did 2 (or 3) Bean Movies and a couple of Johnny English films.

I absolutely love Rowan Atkinson, but I think its fair to say his biggest impact was in the 80's, with Blackadder and his stand up. He's still great, mind you.

Impact abroad.

The reason you are aware of Ricky Gervais success is that he has been in movies and had remakes of the Office made that you've seen over here. But Mr Bean, the original shows, the movies and the cartoon are doing very well nicely NOW. He is a very wealthy man.

So Rowan Atkinson another Briton who has had far more impact in the last ten years and undoubtedly more instantly recognisable.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

Impact abroad.

The reason you are aware of Ricky Gervais success is that he has been in movies and had remakes of the Office made that you've seen over here. But Mr Bean, the original shows, the movies and the cartoon are doing very well nicely. Making Rowan Atkinson more money that Ricky.

Glad to hear it, but its not exactly new, that's my point. I love all those shows, but things have moved on since then.

Also, Gervais' films are utter SHIT. I have no qualms in saying that, despite being a big fan of his. I'm sure if he was completely honest with himself he'd agree.

 

[Randsta]

Ricky Gervais can say and do what he likes he's bigger than jesus ....and he has a goldern globe!

 

[clapham_gull]

Glad to hear it, but its not exactly new, that's my point.

Is it - you keep changing it to back up your argument

The Mr Bean animated series was made a full 5 years AFTER the office.

I haven't even mentioned Simon Cowell yet...

 

[BRIGHT ON Q]

always remember RG going on about handicaps in Extras and other things he's been in.He seems to like going on about them,not that i'm worried mind.

 

[Captain Sensible]

If you don't like Ricky Gervais, you don't have a sense of humour.

FACT

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

Is it - you keep changing it to back up your argument

How have I changed my point?

I'm sorry but Rowan Atkinson cannot be considered recent in terms of what he's offered to the table. Simon Cowell, yes, Jeremy Clarkson, yes. I was originally referring to comedians, but I get your message.

 

[sten_super]

There's some amusing self-righteousness on this thread. Is it really that hard to believe that some people don't like/find funny a controversial comedian? You really never can tell which threads are going to be the good ones on NSC...

For disclosure, I should state that I find him hit and miss. The Office was brilliant, but his stand-up is patchy for me.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

The Office was brilliant, but his stand-up is patchy for me.

Agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately I think he's got weaker since his career has gone on, relying on 'edginess' too much with his later material, but still leaps and bounds above many regular 'funnymen' that plague our TV.

I still think some of the funniest radio I've ever heard was the early XFM stuff, when they weren't really bothered about the quality of the show or what people thought, nothing was scripted and it was organic, natural, witty banter.

 

[oddsonlaughter]

My take on Gervais is this,

As a writer he is undoubtedly talented, the Office for example was fantastic, however people haven't mentioned Stephen Merchants part in his success, he had a lot to do with the Office and Extras etc its just he doesn't take the publicity as much as Gervais, after all I am pretty sure the Office was actually Merchants concept in the first place

As for him as a stand up, he is okay, he is confident and he gets laughs but there's no way that he is any better on stage than an established headliner at a club say, also his audiences are very different in that they have come to see him and already like him, I would love to see how he would do when faced with a room of hecklers etc

Again the comparison with Stephen Merchant here who is a brilliant comic and his current show is very very well written and performed imo and is better than Gervais

So in summary, is he good- yes, is he funny- yes I would say so, is he one of the best comics around- I wouldn't even say hes the most talented out of his writing duo

 

[pasty]

Well actually, you don't do you ? That's why unlike most here you don't find him amusing.

How can you possibly know what I get and don't get. I'm so sorry my opinion of Ricky is different to yours, but I simply don't find him funny. Is that okay?

 

[Simster]

How can you possibly know what I get and don't get. I'm so sorry my opinion of Ricky is different to yours, but I simply don't find him funny. Is that okay?

I thought he'd made it clear that it wasn't?