Five years following his half-hour COVID stand-up special, Shelf Life, Italian-American comedian Gianmarco Soresi has released his first full-length stand-up special on YouTube, Thief of Joy. Having familiarized myself with his material over the past several months, I feel as if I know what to expect. At nearly an hour and seven minutes, this set is worth viewers’ time; and for such a critical time in the United States, Thief of Joy presents an almost thought-provoking argument about what it means to live in “fucked-up” circumstances.
Thief of Joy is written and performed by executive producer Gianmarco Soresi.
In this review, I will discuss Thief of Joy.
Trigger Warning: This stand-up comedy special features a bit that covers the topic of suicide.
Discussion
Stand-up comedy is important to study, especially in a vital epoché of socio-politics. Gianmarco Soresi understands this idea, from his bits on select presidency to other figures who garner public attention, to generally current events, to understanding various people from different parts of the world, and more. With that said, the comic does not hold back, which is what I would hope to expect from those who do not aim to offend but can still crack a great joke and land a solid punchline. Rhetorically speaking, Soresi achieves the set-up-and-punchline routine well and even segues smoothly from subject matter to subject matter.
Shot at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater, the comic showcases his appeal to the audience with twisted logic and interesting timing. Arguably, Thief of Joy is less about his character and emotional appeal and more about how to make sense of his life in his mid-thirties. Soresi touches on his family life, his Jewish girlfriend and beliefs in religion, being a “theater kid” and a child of divorce as he grows up into adulthood, his sexuality, suicide, and circles back to his relationships with both his girlfriend (and executive producer) and his father, in this particular order.
Soresi’s Means of Getting Laughter
The YouTube special’s rhetorical invention of the thesis statement—that is, that “[c]omparison is the thief of joy”—isn’t introduced straightaway. Then again, Soresi isn’t a straightaway comic; perhaps, many skillful comedians, orators, and other public speakers aren’t. While I don’t agree with the above arrangement of subject matter, I feel most inclined to write about his rhetorical style, memory, and delivery. The latter two canons are quite self-explanatory. There is only one instance wherein Soresi corrects himself in a bit about Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Additionally, in terms of his delivery, oftentimes it takes a big part of him to keep good composure, such as in joking about his seventy-one-year-old father’s penis.
Most crucial is how the comedian chooses his words. That works well in his favor when it comes to delivering a good, great, or even perfect punchline. Referring to four younger half-siblings as “two total” siblings, seeing himself as the thirty-sixth floor of a building with a “fucked-up foundation”, analogizing acting as an extra in a film to a piece of furniture, using certain units of measurement, and more—these are all fine examples of Soresi’s rhetorical style. Conversely, he does have some moments where his words inch over the edge. In doing so, he expresses shame immediately when necessary.
Soresi pokes fun at homophobia, problematic performances, suicide, having children, and sexual assault in a manner that may be sensitive to viewers here and there. As progressive as he can get, the comedian attempts to find some sort of middle ground in his act without completely falling over. Stand-up comedy still appears to be about getting a rise out of people, and fortunately, he knows where the limits are.
The Darkness in Duality
Ultimately, I must commend the comparisons he often makes between what is essentially a part of his self and what is a part of the world at large. Juxtaposing his now-long-divorced parents with an actual healthy marriage is the tip of the iceberg here. Surely, there is no happiness or joy in making up figures of speech—e.g., analogies, euphemisms, personifications, similes, etc.—to justify his trauma. However, it’s at least cathartic for his case. I mean, what is the better, more fitting term synonymous with cheating? Why do other countries opt for affordable and accessible healthcare? What difference is there in offering support in spirit than in person? With the way matters are but shouldn’t be, this is our reality now…sadly.
The Crew Behind Thief of Joy
Jordan Levy (This Is Not Happening), Tovah Silbermann (Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian), and Alex Goodman serve as executive producers alongside Soresi. Matt Schuler serves as the producer.
Levy also serves as the director of photography.
Steve Francis serves as the gaffer.
David Shamban is the editor. Emily Patton is the assistant editor.
Rene Vas serves as the production designer.
Final Thoughts on Thief of Joy
There were a handful of girlfriend jokes that were performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and that might have spoiled some of the fun for me. Regardless, I believe Thief of Joy is a strong full-length special that tests Soresi’s functionality as a comedian. One never truly knows what he will say next. It can be difficult to ascertain if his word choices will earn him a trip to Human Resources. Soresi enshrouds the absence of positive nature with dark comedy, and here, I can see his objective. It’s not always best to sugarcoat what is said and instead to call it like it is, because to confront darkness is to butt heads with the truth. The biggest sacrifice is what or whom you could lose in the process.
4/5 stars
Gianmarco Soresi’s Thief of Joy streams via YouTube starting today, Friday, September 19th!
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