As much as I revere Jon Stewart for so many things, he's never really distinguished himself as a impressionist. He'll do little "heh heh hehs" for George Bush and a hunched "wak!" for Dick Cheney, and they very effectively and humorously fit into his style, but I never saw him even attempt a sustained impersonation.
Last night's caricature of Glenn Beck was a virtuoso performance. If you totalled all the time I've ever watched Beck, it might equal the seven or so minutes of this piece, but I somehow recognized all the pitch-perfect inflections, gestures, and histrionics that Stewart hilariously evoked (not to mention the substance of the satire). He doesn't lose himself in Beck, the way a master impressionist would, nor does he try — he's still Jon Stewart acting like Glenn Beck — but who cares? It's very, very funny.
Well played, sir!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| The 11/3 Project | ||||
| http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:254892 | ||||
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