Ellen DeGeneres: A Candid Review of Her Final Stand-Up Special “For Your Approval”

Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval marks the celebrated comedian’s final stand-up special, as reported by Tudum on September 19, 2024. Filmed at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, the special debuted on Netflix on September 24, 2024.

This special opens with a montage that highlights Ellen’s remarkable entertainment career while candidly addressing both triumphs and setbacks. Throughout her journey, Ellen has faced various challenges but managed to stage a comeback by winning back public approval.

Making headlines in the 90s as a lesbian on national television, Ellen displayed incredible bravery, although it jeopardized her promising career. Nevertheless, the comedian rose to become a household name across America, primarily due to the success of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

From hosting prestigious events like the Oscars to visiting the White House and receiving accolades from the President, Ellen has achieved a lot. However, her career hasn’t been without blemishes, with The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluding in 2022 amid accusations of fostering a ‘toxic workplace’ from her staff.

Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval serves as an intimate reflection of this former American sweetheart, who, despite past challenges, still longs for acceptance. With this Netflix special, Ellen may have regained the public’s favor once again.

Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval Addresses Controversies

The synopsis of Ellen’s special states:

“In the final comedy special of her historic career, Ellen gets candid about fame, parallel parking, and life since getting ‘kicked out of show business.’”

In her special, Ellen tackles the controversial topics surrounding her exit from show business with her signature charm and humor. Some viewers may perceive her defense in Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval as overly dismissive of the allegations against her.

Yet, a closer examination reveals that Ellen cleverly subverts her defensiveness through light-hearted self-mockery.

For example, she reenacts various ‘fun games’ she used to play with her staff behind the scenes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her portrayal of these pranks suggests that while she may view them as harmless fun, they might have crossed a line for her employees.

Thus, although Ellen passionately defends herself against claims of a toxic environment, she gracefully acknowledges the possibility of genuine misunderstandings.

The Special Showcases Ellen’s Comedic Talent

Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval brilliantly highlights Ellen’s comedic skills, as she elicits laughter from the audience through expert timing and wordplay. Consider this amusing excerpt:

“Apparently, it’s for lumbar support. Got to support your lumbar. It’s all any of us knows about the lumbar. It’s got to be supported.”

This seemingly mundane commentary on a lumbar-supporting feature in cars becomes hilarious thanks to Ellen’s deft use of comedic pauses. With her ability to play with pacing, she draws the audience into the humor, skillfully delivering punchline after punchline. Timing is indeed a comedian’s best ally, and Ellen has mastered it.

Ellen Desires Acceptance from Her Audience

As Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval nears its conclusion, Ellen becomes introspective, acknowledging that while she might feign indifference to public opinion, it undeniably influences an entertainer’s career.

Over time, she has also recognized that prioritizing mental health and well-being is crucial, saying:

“So after a lifetime of caring, I just can’t [care] anymore. So I don’t.”

However, she confesses that every artist yearns for love and connection. Ellen expresses that if given a choice, she would prefer to be remembered as “someone who is beloved” rather than “someone who is mean.”

Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval is an engaging mix of self-deprecating humor, keen observations, theatrical pauses, and humorous stories. The special is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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