Are We Good?
The day my partner died was a terrible day for me — and I'm sure for her as well, quips Mark Maron onstage with a smile. The grief expressed through humor after the death of Lynn Shelton, the director icon of the mumblecore film movement and Maron's life partner, becomes the central theme of the documentary Are We Good? Although director Steven Feinartz supplements the film with necessary biographical asides, stand-up fragments, friends' statements, and reflection on the phenomenon of the cult podcast WTF, all these elements seem to function solely in the context of loss and the painstaking attempts to come to terms with it. The documentary observes Maron's difficult process of reclaiming comedy—both as a natural means of expression and an unexpected form of therapy. Not only for himself. Using personal suffering as fuel for further jokes, the comedian radically works through an absolutely universal pain, finding in laughter and emotional discomfort an unexpectedly deep, honest connection with the audience. Loud laughter remains just its clearest symptom.
Lynn Shelton’s film Humpday features in this year's Freaks and Geeks section.
After the screening on November 9th: Stand-up: Three Americans Go to the Movies
admission free with a ticket
in English only
Steven Feinartz
Steven Feinartz is a director born in Chicago closely connected with the American comedy scene. Throughout his career, he has frequently collaborated with some of the most popular stand-up comedians, producing and directing their specials, shows, series, and television performances. His previous documentary, The Bitter Buddha, devoted to the figure of Eddie Pepitone, premiered at the Slamdance festival.
Filmography
2012 The Bitter Buddha (doc.)
2025 Are We Good? (doc.)
Cast & Crew
