DVD Review: Jim Jefferies: Alcoholocaust

Jim Jefferies

From the moment the camera roles, the measured anarchism of Jim Jefferies is evident. On the surface Jefferies is an offensive comic who acts without thought or care – but beneath the overtly masculine persona that underpins his comedy is a genius with a wealth of brave, superbly delivered material. His show ‘Alcoholocaust’ is about so much more than giving up drinking – it is about expressing his own humanity.

Behind the outlandish comments and an abundance of profanities – usually the word ‘cunt’ – lies more profound, moral messages – that dreams make us unhappy, that sometimes it is worth sacrificing your dignity for the ones you love. In ‘Alcoholocaust’ Jefferies bares all, and it is his no frills, perhaps un-politically correct style of comedy that initially gets his audience on side; but it is his powerful routines that hold their attention for the duration of his 75 minute set.

The Australian’s almost facetious delivery of the most serious of subject matter – such as the holocaust, or the superb closing routine on almost killing a disabled friend of his –isn’t simply restricted to adult comedy; it is a style that appeals to the inner rebellion of all, and that is the appeal of Jim Jefferies. Barring Daniel Kitson, Jefferies is possibly the best storyteller in the comedy industry – at least on this performance, anyway.

Thematically his routines may have no strict flow or underlying, independent message, but that matters little here. Instead Jefferies uses that flippant style of delivery and a series of controversial statements to punctuate his set and initiate the following routine; and to great effect. ‘Alcoholocaust’ is a fine showing from Jefferies, and really displays the comic at his best.

Jim Jefferies: Alcoholocaust is out on November 8^th 2010, and is available from most online retailers.