Trying to explain Norm Macdonald was always difficult. Netflix’s new documentary seems smart enough not to try too hard.
Directed by Judd Apatow, Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald traces the comedian from his famously deadpan run behind Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update desk through stand-up, television and his transformation into one of comedy’s most influential “comedian’s comedians.” Rather than relying on a parade of talking heads, the film is built from archival footage, photographs and rare home videos supplied by friends and fans.
The result lets Norm remain the person telling the story — dry, unpredictable and permanently resistant to behaving the way anyone expected. Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald premieres October 16 on Netflix.
