Based on a True Story

1. Norm Macdonald's journey from small-town Canada to SNL stardom

I was a hick, born to the barren, rocky soil of the Ottawa Valley, where the richest man in town was the barber.

From humble beginnings: Norm Macdonald grew up in a small Canadian town, far removed from the glitz and glamour of show business. His early life was marked by simple pleasures and hard work, which would later inform his comedic style and work ethic.

Rise to fame: Through determination and talent, Macdonald made his way from local comedy clubs to the prestigious Saturday Night Live. His journey highlights the unpredictable nature of success in entertainment, where a combination of skill, timing, and luck can propel someone from obscurity to stardom.

2. The power of connections and mentorship in show business

"Meet Adam Sandler." The rest pretty much takes care of itself.

Networking is crucial: In the entertainment industry, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Macdonald's relationship with Adam Sandler opened doors and created opportunities that might otherwise have been inaccessible.

Mentorship matters: Throughout his career, Macdonald benefited from the guidance and support of established comedians and industry figures. These relationships not only provided practical help but also offered invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of show business.

3. Gambling addiction: A double-edged sword of thrill and destruction

Gambling addiction is a disease, for sure, but it's the only disease that can make you very wealthy.

The allure of risk: Macdonald's struggles with gambling addiction reveal the powerful pull of high-stakes betting. The thrill of potential winnings and the adrenaline rush of risk can be incredibly addictive.

Devastating consequences: While gambling can occasionally lead to big wins, more often it results in significant losses - not just financially, but also in terms of relationships, career opportunities, and personal well-being. Macdonald's experiences serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of addiction.

4. The art of comedy: Crafting jokes and delivering punchlines

A joke should catch people by surprise; it should never pander. Applause is voluntary, but laughter is involuntary.

Joke structure: Macdonald and his colleagues at SNL developed a distinctive style of comedy that prioritized surprise and genuine laughter over predictable punchlines or crowd-pleasing topics.

Delivery is key: Beyond just writing good jokes, Macdonald emphasizes the importance of timing, tone, and delivery in making comedy work. His deadpan style and willingness to commit to a bit, even when it wasn't landing, became hallmarks of his comedic approach.

5. Behind the scenes of SNL: Writing, performing, and office politics

Weekend Update was the funniest it had ever been, and when you are that funny, you can be sure that you will not be fired.

Collaborative process: The creation of SNL sketches and segments involves a complex interplay of writers, performers, and producers. Macdonald's experiences highlight the intense pressure and creativity that go into producing a weekly live show.

Office dynamics: Like any workplace, SNL had its share of politics, rivalries, and alliances. Macdonald's tenure on Weekend Update, and his eventual firing, illustrate how factors beyond pure talent can impact a performer's career trajectory.

6. The making of "Dirty Work" and Hollywood film production

We wrote the movie by choosing our dream cast first and then writing characters based on them.

Creative process: Macdonald's approach to writing "Dirty Work" offers insights into how movies are developed and produced. The process of adapting stand-up material into a feature-length film presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Industry realities: The making of "Dirty Work" reveals the complex web of relationships, negotiations, and compromises that go into bringing a movie to the screen. From casting decisions to on-set dynamics, every aspect of filmmaking involves navigating personal and professional relationships.

7. Facing mortality and life's regrets through dark humor

I knew logically that Rocco was completely innocent of at least two of the crimes he'd been convicted of. And I believed in my heart that he was most likely innocent of the other one too. After all, if a man is innocent of two murders, odds are he's innocent of the third. That's just grade-school arithmetic.

Coping mechanism: Macdonald's dark humor often touches on themes of death, failure, and regret. This approach serves as a way to confront difficult truths and existential fears through the lens of comedy.

Self-reflection: Throughout his memoir, Macdonald grapples with his own mortality and the choices he's made in life. His ability to find humor in even the bleakest situations offers a unique perspective on dealing with life's hardships.

8. The complexities of friendship and loyalty in the entertainment world

Adam Eget always wears a suit, the kind of suit a poor man thinks a rich man wears.

Complicated relationships: Macdonald's friendship with Adam Eget exemplifies the complex dynamics that can exist in the entertainment industry. Their relationship is marked by loyalty, manipulation, and codependency.

Trust and betrayal: The world of comedy and show business is often portrayed as cutthroat and unforgiving. Macdonald's experiences with colleagues, mentors, and friends highlight the difficulties of maintaining genuine relationships in an environment where everyone is competing for limited opportunities.

Last updated: August 8, 2024