Artie Lange: Stench of Failure

Artie Lange: Stench of Failure is a stand-up comedy special that was initially aired on Comedy Central in 2014. Starring Artie Lange, it features a candid, raw, and refreshingly self-deprecating set from the comedian as he takes the stage at the New York City's historic Beacon Theatre. Famed for his stint on Howard Stern's radio show and his roles in films like Dirty Work and Elf, Lange brings his unique style and sense of humor to the audience, delivering the kind of bold, unfiltered comedy he's known for.

The title, Stench of Failure, reflects the underlying tone of authenticity and self-deprecation in Lange's humor. He openly discusses his struggles with addiction, his mental health issues, his career missteps, and failed relationships, all the while turning these dark moments into a source of laughter. An often tough-to-watch spectacle of self-flagellation, Artie Lange's show is a powerful testament to the therapeutic power of comedy.

The special reflects the theme of Lange finding humor in his life's pitfalls and professional blunders. The comedian outlines his various stumbles in his personal life and career, drawing laughs not from the incidents themselves but from his enduring spirit, resilience, and ability to laugh at himself. The transparency and rawness of his comedy make this special an embodiment of the saying that 'comedy is tragedy plus time.'

Artie Lange has a comedy style that is brash, often self-deprecating but always undeniably genuine. He pulls no punches on stage, dishing out anecdotes that range from hilarious to heart-wrenching as he candidly discusses his past. He has a unique ability to transform his battles with personal demons into comedic gold. His observance of everyday life, intertwined with personal trials and tribulations, forms a performance that is both entertainment with an edge and a statement of overcoming adversity with humor.

Much of Lange's humor in Stench of Failure can be seen in his bold narratives about his life in comedy, his on-the-job failures, his stints in rehab, and his struggle to maintain sobriety. As such, the special does not shy away from exploring the dark corners of his life. However, while the topics may be dark, his humor is not depressing. Instead, his commentary on his ups and downs serves as a reminder that adversity can be conquered, and humor can be a cathartic tool for healing.

Stench of Failure also includes Lange's commentary on his life in the entertainment industry, and his intimate knowledge of its light and dark sides. He pulls back the curtain on his experiences, giving viewers an eye-opening look at the world of comedy and fame. His work in showbusiness, combined with his engagement with addictions and failures, results in a deeply personal experience that informs his comedy.

Despite its title, there's nothing failing about Artie Lange: Stench of Failure. It comes as an honest comedic articulation by Lange who doesn’t shy away from the low points in his life, but rather embraces them. In the special, he is at once raw, hilarious, tragic, and inspiring, breathing a life that is extraordinary and ordinary at the same time. It's ‘warts and all’ portrayal of his life makes for a very relatable and accessible comedy special.

Lange's charisma, free-wheeling style, and humorous impression of life, make Stench of Failure a classically appealing artifact of stand-up comedy. Also, the accuracy and insightfulness of his self-deprecating stories make for a hilariously frank revelation of his life — the good, the bad, and the ugly, painting a poignant image of a man who has lived throughextreme highs and extreme lows. It is authentic and real; it's Artie Lange at his best.

Artie Lange: Stench of Failure is more than just a comedy special. It's a testament to survival, resilience, honesty, and the healing power of humor. It's an hour of laughs, but it's also an intimate look into the life of one of comedy's most enduring and beloved figures. Through the stench of failure, the comedian manages not only to make the audience laugh but also encourages them to think, reflect, and maybe see their own failures in a different, more humorous light.