Basking in the love received for the second season of his web show, Real Rob, comedian Rob Schneider responds to the criticism it faced in the past
ROB Schneider loves to entertain, but not without testing his audience. "It's my job," he says, asserting that every 'comic guru' must challenge his listeners. It's only fitting then, that he refuses to pay heed to the criticism of those he terms overtly sensitive. "I can't worry about them," he says, with as much apathy as he portrays while talking about the critics who slammed the first season of his web show, Real Rob. The series, which kicked off its second season last week, is an exaggerated version of Schneider's life. In an exclusive interview with mid-day the actor with films like The Hot Chick (2002), Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (2005) and 50 First Dates (2004), which recently aired on Sony Le PLEX HD, to his credit, discusses the evolution of stand-up comedy in a world of increasingly polarised listeners. Edited excerpts from an interview.
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What made you decide to come up with Real Rob?
I wanted to work with my wife [Patricia Azarcoya], and she with me. We wanted to create something great. That is the idea behind doing anything in art, or in life, for that matter.
The second season of your web show, Real Rob kicked off last week, and has been loved by Twitter users. However, critics did slam the show's first season. How do you react to criticism of a show that's so personal?
I don't care what the critics think. I make shows for people, who want to laugh. The critics don't know how to judge comedy. They never get it. I couldn't care less about what they think. I have done this for 35 years. If they knew what comedy, or drama was, they'd make it themselves. But, since they can't, they fall back into this cowardly position [of a critic] and throw stones on people doing something. They don't have the guts, or the talent to do something themselves. So, they'll sit behind their computers and judge others.
Do you believe that the increase in the number of comics has led to a depletion in the quality of humour?
There will always be a lack of good comedy, because, there are few good comedians. I'm one of the few (laughs). There's not a lot of me out there. There are others, like Amy Schumer and Chris Rock. But, they are numbered. I was talking to a fellow stand-up comedian this morning, who told me that he is afraid to present a certain material in his hometown [fearing the reception]. And I was like, 'Wow!' The possibility of being upheld as a potential racist, misogynist, homophobe or Islamophobe, curbs a comedian's [potential]. So the depletion of humour also has to do with that.
You've recently returned to stand-up comedy. How is the audience different today?
I believe the audience is more polarised, but, this can be because of the way the media projects them. The media tries to create the impression that people are polarised. If you take the example of the Huston floods, you'll notice that the Democrats were helping the Republicans, and the other way about. So, I don't think this indicates a polarised audience. We do have a leader who is polarising. He's not very graceful, and sometimes can't understand that you have to apologise and be less reactive.
Your stand-ups put the spotlight on current debates, and politics. Do you use filters while addressing this increasingly polarised audience?
People who come to see me want to laugh. My job is to entertain. But, at the same time, I wouldn't be entertaining if I didn't challenge their preconceived notions about the world. People see the world in a myopic way, thanks to Western culture. They focus on what's closest to their eyes. I think, it's important to give them a background and challenge them. Any good guru, religious or comedic, should challenge the audience to get them out of their place of comfort. Otherwise, he's not good at his job.
But, if people have strong preconceived notions, as you suggest they do, do you think they will be open to debating opinions?
I think, some people shouldn't leave their house. They should stay home, sit under their couch and not watch television. But, those who are easily offended shouldn't decide what others should watch. The open minded can be triggered by an idea, but will be willing to listen to another set of views too. You should be able to hear opposing views; ones that may even disgust you. But, the rejection of those ideas makes the fabric of our world less interesting. I want to hear all the ideas; the bad and the repulsive, and then make my decision.
Rob Schneider and Patricia Azarcoya in Real Rob
After making a successful career in films and television, why did you return to stand-up?
It's exciting now. The audience is electric. A good comedian gives busy people a [low down] of what's happening around the world.
How do you create content that's fresh and novel?
Stand-up is not something that you can just s**t in the room. You have to explore an idea, elaborate on material and see if it works. Then, you rid yourself of the stuff that doesn't. You have to have a place to practice. Even tonight, I will work on new materiel and see how the audience reacts to it. Tonight, I will talk about mass murder, weapons, destruction and race. And, because I'm there to entertain, I will have to humour them. I'm not sure how they will react, and that the exciting part. That's like jumping out of an airplane and that's why they are few comics who are good at it.
What do you do if you feel the audience isn't reacting to your material?
You make adjustments. You won't have great shows always. I have material that I know will work, and, if they're not having a good time, I can make adjustments. It's like surfing; you move where the waves take you.
What have you noticed about comedians in India?
American culture is finally opening up to Indian humour. But, I find Indian humour very kind. Comedians [in India] are not as mean [as those in the West]. There's more kindness, which is nice. Maybe, I I haven't seen the mean comics yet.
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