Bill Maher - I'm Swiss
Director: Michael DrummStudio: Image Entertainment
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Color, Dolby, Widescreen, NTSC
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release: November 1st 2005
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DVD Review
"I don't hate America," comedian Bill Maher declares during I'm Swiss, recorded in March 2005 in Portland, OR. "I love America. (But) I'm embarrassed." And there we have not only the source of the title (his discomfiture, he jokes, has led him to pretend he's from another country) but also the crux of Maher's overall presentation on this, his third DVD taken from a program that was first shown on HBO. Maher's tendency toward smugness and superiority regularly provoke the wrath of his opponents on the far right. But despite his disingenuous claims to the contrary ("I'm not making this up, I'm just reporting," or "I'm not being partisan"), he certainly can't be accused of not having a point of view. His targets are many in I'm Swiss, ranging from reality TV to Cialis ("the boner pill") and even Civil War reenactments, but he reserves most of his scorn for "the morals and values crowd" and George W. Bush. He excoriates the former for turning the '04 presidential election into "a referendum on boys kissing," part of their campaign to "legislate taste" while using their "nonsensical and spiritually unnecessary" religious devotion to claim the high moral ground. As for Bush, Maher's comment that "sometimes this guy is so retarded, he could be on death row in Texas" is one of his milder jabs; and when it comes to the Iraq war, describing Baghdad as "the galleria at Halliburton Square" pretty much sums up Maher's feelings about that. Much of what Maher says during this 99-minute monologue (plus a Q&A session with the audience that's included in the bonus material) is genuinely funny, especially a segment called "Master P's Theater," in which he translates rap lyrics from Ebonics into "white." But make no mistake about it: Bill Maher is one infuriated fellow, and whether you love him or loathe him, I'm Swiss provides ample food for thought. --Sam Graham
User Reviews
I think I'm Swiss too. - Rating: 5/5
I've been a fan of Bill Maher for a long time. So when I bought "I'm Swiss," I had a vague idea of what to expect from him. It is Bill Maher after all! I know all about his politics and his usual routines, but this special was way more than I expected. Not only is he extremely funny, but he hits hard and makes many good points about the state of the country in which we live. It is just too good! Even my mom, who has seen all of his other work, said that this is his best special by far. Longer too, running about 90 minutes give or take ten. If you find the society in which we live here in America embarrasing then pick this up, laugh until you pass out, and then decide for yourself whether or not youi're Swiss too.
Funny, refreshing polictical humor - Rating: 4/5
I've been watching Maher since he had his Politically Incorrect show on ABC. I even remember him on a Showtime sitocom in the 80s. Though he may offend many, he manages to remain funny. The point of his humor is that you should be able to talk about any subject. He is a fan of Ann Coulter although he disagrees with her views. He doesn't have as extreme a viewpoint, but he presents subject matter such as gay marriage in a different way than most. His rift about legislating behavior is on target. Most entertainers avoid politics so it's fun to hear someone he delves right into the fire.
Interesting, but not that funny - Rating: 4/5
As a big fan of Bill Maher, I am yet to miss a single Real Time with Bill Maher Show on HBO. I enjoy his views and the usually funny way in which he advocates them. While this DVD has an array of interesting topics that Bill Maher criticizes and mocks, it falls short of being a comedy. As a matter of fact, much of his monologue on this show is rehashed from his HBO show, inlcuding even its precise phrasing.
If you watch his shows regularly, this material would be nothing new. But if you are up for some politically and socially provacotive show with some funny parts in it, you will love this, even if you disagree with his views. There is no one out there that is brave, courageous and witty enough to bring up such controversial topics to Live audience and to mass public in general as Bill Maher.
Why Bill? - Rating: 5/5
Bill Maher always nails the truth. It is very refreshing to hear the truth, especially with the right wing propaganda machine in full motion.
Bill Maher - I'm Swiss - Rating: 5/5
Bill Maher is the modern Oracle of Delphi, insane enough to see the truth we foolsih mortals, so easily confused, rarely see. His insights sometimes make you laugh along with him so hard your sides hurt.
