Harmontown

Courtesy of Future You Pictures and Starburns Industries

Dan Harmon may be one of the most eccentric, talented, crazed creators working today, evident from the large and extensive body of work on display in this documentary. The film follows a tour that Harmon embarks on with his co-hosts, from his podcast, Harmontown. Along the way they meet fans, talk out issues, and revel in general merriment.

 Watching Harmon onscreen reveals some of the bitter, hate-filled man underneath, but mostly we get to see the genius perversity of his comedy, as he overshares constantly for both audience and the director. His shows seem to touch a certain kind of person, who likes to see blatant sarcasm, as well as the general celebration of life. Between his short stint on "The Sarah Silverman Program," his critically acclaimed show "Community," and his new show "Rick and Morty," Dan Harmon has created and kept original and lovable characters for almost two decades. He is also a man who revels in obsessions, particularly the obsession that his shows do well, and that everyone who works on them work extremely hard. The interviews about Harmon constantly bring up his obsessiveness, his lack of self-control, and his anger, which often manifests in emotionally abusive ways.

Harmon often shoots himself in the foot by mouthing off to those who actually have the power to fire him, like with his show "Community." It's even hinted that Harmon says horrible, abusive things to his girlfriend, who seems to be one of his few allies. Even with his many faults, Harmon tries constantly to be a better person, though he doesn't understand the ardor of those who already love and respect his work.

Hopefully this documentary educates a growing number of people who want to see niche, absurdist comedy in wider contexts.