Amy Schumer is following in the tradition of some of the most hilarious comedians in the world with her new Netflix hour, simply entitled The Leather Special. Just like Chris Rock – who directed Schumer’s HBO special Live at the Apollo in 2015 – Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan did before her, Schumer uses the taping as an excuse to drape herself in leather from head to toe. “It’s my f*cking moment,” she says near the top of the set before quickly revealing that she already regrets her choice of wardrobe.
Her outfit selection isn’t the only thing Schumer has in common with the above mentioned comedians, as she also pushes boundaries with raw and raunchy humor. Sex, feminine hygiene and alcohol-induced blackouts are just a few of the topics she explores with her self-deprecating approach. Many of these bits prioritize shock value over laugh out loud humor, but Schumer always finds the funny in astute references and animated gestures. Her perfectly timed rendition of Dianna Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” showcases her unique style and creativity with hilarious results.
Throughout her career, Schumer has often derived jokes out of the fact that she is labeled a sex comic, while at the same time her male counterparts are considered “thinkers.” The Leather Special doesn’t do anything to change the way many will view her, as carnal comedy was the centerpiece of the hourlong event, but she did showcase her range with some serious analysis of American gun laws.
Hilariously skewering celebrity culture and the movie industry – including the fact that a sexy selfie is considered “brave” – is where Schumer thrives on her Leather Special. Referring to herself as a “sh*tty famous person,” she details the many ways that the Schumer sisters are not as enticing a bait for the paparazzi as the Kardashians. “I’m what Hollywood calls ‘very fat,’” she says before explaining that she “works out like a woman in hospice.” Schumer’s empowering message that it is more important to feel strong and healthy rather than starve yourself to fit into ludicrous stereotypes leads to cheers from the women in the Bellco Theater in Denver, where the show was taped.
The comedian further pokes fun at herself with a hilarious closing story of how she came to date Bradley Cooper for only one day… in her own mind. Schumer’s Leather Special could have benefitted from a bit more Hollywood humor, but fans of the comedian’s bold, brash style will find a lot to love in the performance.
Check out The Leather Special on Netflix and get ready to see Schumer on the big screen in her new movie Snatched this May.