SXSW 2011 Film Reviews

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop

Conan O'Brien's Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour took place in the months following his not-so-funny exit from The Tonight Show and is the subject of this wildly entertaining, behind-the-scenes look at the tour's genesis and creation. Director Flender's long relationship with O'Brien (they were college buddies) allows him to intimately capture several facets of his subject: angry Conan, charming Conan, mean Conan (who may be the funniest of them all), exhausted Conan, the loving father, and the frenetic workhorse. As concert films go, Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is as appealing as it is raw. Following its world premiere last Sunday, O'Brien said he thought it was important for audiences to see the true demands of touring and the anxiety he experienced. The capturing of unfiltered emotions ultimately catapults the film beyond average and brands O'Brien as the consummate performer.