Nathan Fielder and Deceptive Storytelling
Nathan Fielder occupies a strange role in the comedy industry. His methods are contrary to the norms of the genres he inhabits, but his work is genius because of that contradiction. He slingshots between pure comedy and heartfelt storytelling and, in his best moments, finds a comfortable balance between the two. Having written, directed, and starred in the reality comedy series Nathan For You and experimental docu-comedy The Rehearsal, Fielder has shown incredible range in the subject matter and execution of his ideas. The secret to his success? Deception.
Fielder’s work is dependent on the audience’s assumption that what is happening on screen involves real, unscripted individuals. In reality, there is no way to tell how much of Fielder’s work is truly unscripted, but that ambiguity makes his shows an exercise in seeing how far he can push the reality TV framework he’s established. Fielder has a habit of getting himself into such absurd scenarios that I often questioned the authenticity of certain parts of his works. Not knowing for sure how real the events unfolding on screen actually make for really interesting TV; you never know which moments are completely unplanned and which are part of Fielder’s script. On occasion, Nathan will get caught off guard by comments made by his guests. Depending on the tone, these scenes are made more funny or emotional by not knowing if Nathan’s surprise is authentic, or if he is playing it up to make for better TV. Those familiar with Nathan For You will remember Fielder’s uncharacteristic surprise during the ghost realtor episode where one of the people on the show offhandedly recounts being attacked by a ghost in Switzerland.
Even though he goes by the same name, the Nathan Fielder that is portrayed in Fielder’s shows is not the same as the actual person. This rendition, a caricature of Fielder’s social anxiety and dull personality, is the engine for much of the humor of his shows. For example, Nathan For You revolves around Fielder’s efforts to help struggling small businesses in L.A., but his unapproachable personality and poor decision-making skills make him a poor host. It is because of this incompatibility, not in spite of it, that Fielder’s shows are so enthralling. Nathan is an awful host in the traditional sense, but a great subversion of what people expect from reality TV. Whether it be through accidentally insulting someone or asking personal questions moments after meeting a new person, Nathan knows how to use his awkward personality for the sake of comedy.
While deception is Fielder’s forte, he also uses his work to convey sincere emotions. Whether it be through himself or through the various people who appear on his shows, Fielder loves to put a microscope on people’s lives and struggles. The Rehearsal focuses especially on Fielder’s own troubles and how his lack of confidence around real people makes him look towards the world of acting, experiencing his social life vicariously through the veil he puts on.
Even during self-reflection, Fielder’s expertise in comedy continues to shine through. Greater than his talents at comedy is his uncanny ability to create powerful emotions from ridiculous contexts. “Finding Frances,” the hour-and-a-half series finale to Nathan For You, is a great example of this. Over the lengthy runtime, the episode turns from Nathan’s usual comedy routine into something new and deeply emotional.
Above all else, Fielder disproves the untrue assumption that comedy cannot convey serious emotions. At their greatest, Fielder’s works are equal parts ridiculous and honest, a combination that is rarely pulled off well. You, the viewer, can never know if the conversations on screen are actually unscripted, but you know that the ideas and messages presented through Fielder’s work are wholly authentic.
By Christopher Eckl