‘Are We Good?’ Review: In Introspective Doc, Marc Maron Navigates the Painful Realities of Grief

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At the conclusion of his 2023 HBO comedy show titled “From Bleak to Dark“, Marc Maron shares a particularly risky joke he’s been crafting since his partner, director Lynn Shelton, passed away in 2020 due to a rare blood disorder.

The story begins as Maron heads towards the hospital to bid farewell to Shelton, following an arrangement made by a doctor for the comedian to see her body. Upon arrival, he spends some time saying goodbye. As he exits the ICU, a fleeting thought crosses his mind: “Should I take a selfie?” he ponders. Eventually, he decides against it. The majority of the audience erupts in laughter instantaneously, while a few gasp before succumbing to their chuckles. This type of straightforward and somewhat risqué humor is characteristic of Maron’s career, but this time it’s infused with an unusual sensitivity: a hint of emotional depth that’s not typically associated with the comedian.

In the new documentary titled “Are We Good?“, directed by Steven Feinartz and premiered at SXSW, there are scenes of Maron working on this joke. This film delves into Maron’s life after Shelton’s death and shows his journey back to stand-up comedy, using it as a means to cope with the pain he experienced. Unlike many recent celebrity documentaries, “Are We Good“, which is yet to find distribution, offers more than just hagiographic praise. Instead, it provides an inward look at how grief compels Maron, who has spent his career transforming feelings into grumpy jokes, to address his true emotions for the first time.

For fans who are already acquainted with Pete Holmes’ comedy style, particularly his work with Marc Maron, the movie “Are We Good?” seems to be tailored best. This film serves as a supplement to the HBO special, providing an intimate backstage perspective on the preparations that culminated in Maron performing at New York City’s Town Hall.

Director Feinartz, known for his work on “From Bleak to Dark,” adopts a straightforward method in crafting “Are We Good.” He employs personal videos, recent snippets of Maron’s daily life or comedy trial runs, along with interviews with associates like John Mulaney and Michaela Watkins, to narrate the comedian’s tale. Occasionally, he incorporates some artistic elements, such as animation by Michael Lloyd, but generally prefers a minimalist style. This approach imparts a raw, unpolished feel that mirrors Maron’s personality and encapsulates the erratic nature of grief.

The article begins by summarizing Shelton’s connection to Maron and her unexpected demise. Feinartz draws on the comedian’s account of their romance while incorporating clips from Maron’s program. They initially met in the 2010s, with Maron extending an invitation to Shelton on his show, WTF With Marc Maron, in 2015. Portions from that episode depict the early stages of their friendship. At that time, Shelton was married, and Maron was involved with someone else; however, they maintained contact throughout the years. Shelton directed several of Maron’s specials and episodes of GLOW, and even cast him in her 2019 comedy Sword of Trust, which debuted at Sundance. When their relationship eventually blossomed, it appeared to be as much an intellectual partnership as a romantic one.

In the movie “Are We Good“, Maron expresses that he felt more at ease under Lynn Shelton’s gaze. Her passing left him heartbroken and disoriented, as she wasn’t just a professional acquaintance but a cherished friend. Unfortunately, his grief was compounded by the fact that he couldn’t mourn her loss within his community. Tragically, Shelton passed during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown. Maron often pokes fun at the odd sensation of feeling like a spectacle when his neighbors, trying to console him from a safe distance, made an effort that he acknowledged and appreciated.

It’s not surprising that Maron turned to Instagram Live, as he initially used the platform while Shelton was still alive. However, her passing altered his method. The livestreams, several of which are featured in the doc, served as a means for Maron to interact with others and work through his emotions.

Indeed, Maron employed various aspects of his life as outlets for dealing with this loss. His Instagram videos, comedy performances upon returning to the stage, podcast discussions, and bonding with his two cats served as platforms for the comedian to cope with grief. Although it’s a common human experience, it felt uniquely intense and overpowering to Maron, prompting him to discuss it. At first, his talks and jokes seemed forced and uncomfortable, but eventually, he grew more at ease, becoming less guarded, allowing his emotions to flow freely like a wave.

Does “Are We Good?” delve into the personal and artistic journey of Maron, exploring how he copes with loss in his life? This exploration uncovers other suppressed feelings, particularly those connected to his childhood. Feinartz utilizes Maron’s biography, including an emotionally distant father, his youth spent in Albuquerque, his initial passion for comedy, and his struggles with substance abuse, as a means to interpret his current struggles. This approach allows Feinartz to touch upon significant aspects of Maron’s life and early career, but it is not exhaustive.

Growing up, just like many gamers here, I can trace my emotional struggles back to my childhood. As a comedian, I’ve often spoken about my dad’s emotional unavailability. There’s this particular story where I remember being asked by my mom to tell a joke whenever Dad was in a bad mood. “You’re the only one who can make him laugh,” she used to say.

In the documentary, Barry Maron discusses that his father is suffering from dementia. This health issue has made their relationship challenging since Maron hasn’t truly forgiven him yet and spends more time together due to his father’s condition. Moreover, Maron’s father leans towards conservative politics, contrasting with his son, and occasionally Maron mentions his father’s paranoid thoughts. However, the documentary could have explored their relationship more in-depth given its transformation due to the father’s illness. Instead, Feinartz divides his focus between this emotional aspect of Maron’s life and another on Maron’s professional aspirations. Essentially, it appears that the changing nature of Maron’s relationship with his father during his father’s illness adds a new dimension to Maron’s mourning, but the documentary does not delve deeper into this topic.

When HBO chooses Maron for a stand-up special, it significantly increases his self-assurance. His enthusiasm is evident. As a comic who’s been on the job for many years, he hasn’t always felt as appreciated as his contemporaries. The special serves as a validation, making him feel that he’s finally arrived at his destination. It becomes a platform where his emotional and creative lives intersect sincerely.

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2025-03-13 02:54