“Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and star Larry David encountered an AI analysis of his work during an on-stage conversation commemorating the HBO comedy’s 24-year legacy in New York on Friday.
During the event hosted by HBO and Tribeca Enterprises, MSNBC chief legal correspondent Ari Melber surprised the comedian with an AI-automated analysis of David’s work. The analysis highlighted his 'Jewish humor' based on 'self-deprecation and obsessive focus on daily life's details.'
“David’s onstage persona is a man constantly out of touch with societal norms, whose good intentions often lead to social blunders as he complains about the unspoken rules of social interaction,” Melber read. “David has turned discomfort into an art form and humor into a coping mechanism for dealing with the anxiety stemming from the clash between individual desires and societal expectations, reflecting a deeper, almost existential discomfort with the social contract. Psychologically, David’s comedy resonates because it taps into a fear of social exclusion by highlighting the absurdity of social conventions and the often random nature of politeness. His willingness to challenge these norms to express what we might not, is both cathartic and humanizing. It serves as a reminder that behind the facade of proper behavior, we all share some traits with Larry David: awkward, uncertain, and striving for connection in a world that often complicates it.”
After a moment of silence, David simply responded “Wow.” Melber asked David if he thought it was an accurate description of his work, but the comedian said he hadn’t given it much thought.
“I just try and write funny shows… I never analyze it,” David said.
Melber also had the AI predict David’s reaction to the analysis, which he recited: “With his characteristic blend of incredulity and curmudgeonly charm, Larry David might feign surprise at the idea of AI analyzing his work, quipping ‘You mean to tell me a machine is watching ‘Curb’? What’s next? Robots laughing at my jokes? I don’t perform for toasters.’ ”
After the audience's laughter subsided, David simply said, “Great delivery there,” before the conversation moved on to other topics.
The celebration of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” also included David discussing favorite scenes from the show, and a unexpected appearance from costars Tracey Ullman and Susie Essman. David also took questions from the audience, but was careful not to reveal any details from the upcoming series finale.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” concludes its run Sunday, April 7, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.
