This show being labeled as comedy show us that the greatest taboo for many people is being boring and uncool. Joe Pera is sort of a exaggerated young geriatric character in the tradition of Steve Urkel. He's somewhat bizarre and out of place in his world, but never framed as a crazy character. He's sincere and knowledgeable, also taboos in pop culture. The show is not comedy nor drama, but welcoming, interesting and delightful. It shows the complexity, simplicity, strength and vulnerability of ordinary life and relationships.
The show is not without conflicts and jerks, though. Pera meets them at work and in other settings. But his patience and ability to not judge but see something good in everybody redeems them. He's not being naive either, but truly kind. He's a great and unlikely role model in a society where people struggle with letting go of youth and grow up. He showcases healthy masculinity, true 1950s dadness.
"Joe Pera" could easily have been shot in a mockumentary way with zooms to highlight the awkwardness, but the creators know that's old. Instead, they use steady camera a lot. The result is tableaus that brings a calmness and artfulness to the show. Combined with using charming, inexperienced actors it reminds me of Portlandia and the films by Roy Andersson. Taika Waititi's debut Eagle vs. Shark also comes to mind. Mark Borchardt from America Movie playing a minor role is also significant. All these titles navigate in the same landscape of heartfelt awkwardness that's a refreshing break from the ironic.
The show is not without conflicts and jerks, though. Pera meets them at work and in other settings. But his patience and ability to not judge but see something good in everybody redeems them. He's not being naive either, but truly kind. He's a great and unlikely role model in a society where people struggle with letting go of youth and grow up. He showcases healthy masculinity, true 1950s dadness.
"Joe Pera" could easily have been shot in a mockumentary way with zooms to highlight the awkwardness, but the creators know that's old. Instead, they use steady camera a lot. The result is tableaus that brings a calmness and artfulness to the show. Combined with using charming, inexperienced actors it reminds me of Portlandia and the films by Roy Andersson. Taika Waititi's debut Eagle vs. Shark also comes to mind. Mark Borchardt from America Movie playing a minor role is also significant. All these titles navigate in the same landscape of heartfelt awkwardness that's a refreshing break from the ironic.
