Why 'All Eyes on Me' is such a powerful climactic moment in Bo Burnham's 'Inside'

Kim RenfroJun 19, 2021, 12:02 IST

Burnham staring into the camera while singing "All Eyes On Me."Netflix

Bo Burnham's "Inside" special on Netflix is an incredibly detailed musical-comedy artwork.
The penultimate song "All Eyes on Me" makes for a particularly powerful moment.
See our analysis of the end of the special, and why Burnham's analogy for depression works so well.

"Inside" isn't a typical comedy special - it operates more like a musical movie with a clear narrative arc that eventually climaxes with "All Eyes on Me."

Burnham singing the intro song of his special, "Content." Netflix

"Comedy" is the call-to-action song of this musical narrative.

Burnham singing "Comedy." Netflix

But exactly halfway through the special, Burnham turns 30 years old. He says that he had hoped to finish before his birthday, but that deadline came and went. And the special takes a dark turn.

Bo Burnham watching the clock change to midnight on his 30th birthday. Netflix

But exactly halfway through the special, Burnham turns 30 years old. He says that he had hoped to finish before his birthday, but that deadline came and went. And the special takes a dark turn.

After a video game simulation sketch, the screen says "another night approaches" and then it cuts to Burnham getting into bed.

Burnham closing his eyes under a spotlight as another night approaches. Netflix

Right before "All Eyes On Me," we see Burnham in a rare, angry outburst. The background for this scene is exactly the same one from "Comedy."

Burnham singing "Comedy" and then later in the show. Netflix

"All Eyes on Me" begins playing right after Burnham collapses into sobs. The whole song sounds like a physical manifestation of depression that has taken over his body and voice.

The camera is out of focus as it zooms in on itself. Netflix

"All Eyes on Me" begins playing right after Burnham collapses into sobs. The whole song sounds like a physical manifestation of depression that has taken over his body and voice.

Aside from the moment when Burnham sang in that God-like voice, "All Eyes on Me" is the only other time he uses an intense vocal distortion while singing.

Burnham singing "All Eyes On Me." Netflix

"All Eyes on Me" is the emotional climax of the story. But then our protagonist wakes up.

Burnham waking up. Netflix

At last, Burnham sings his "Goodbye," and manages to go outside - only to feel terrified and vulnerable in the spotlight.

Burnham in the spotlight once again. Netflix

But in the end, Burnham watches back what he's made, and smiles ever so slightly.

The final shot of "Inside." Netflix

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Why 'All Eyes on Me' is such a powerful climactic moment in Bo Burnham's 'Inside'

"Inside" isn't a typical comedy special - it operates more like a musical movie with a clear narrative arc that eventually climaxes with "All Eyes on Me."

"Comedy" is the call-to-action song of this musical narrative.

But exactly halfway through the special, Burnham turns 30 years old. He says that he had hoped to finish before his birthday, but that deadline came and went. And the special takes a dark turn.

After a video game simulation sketch, the screen says "another night approaches" and then it cuts to Burnham getting into bed.

Right before "All Eyes On Me," we see Burnham in a rare, angry outburst. The background for this scene is exactly the same one from "Comedy."

"All Eyes on Me" begins playing right after Burnham collapses into sobs. The whole song sounds like a physical manifestation of depression that has taken over his body and voice.

Aside from the moment when Burnham sang in that God-like voice, "All Eyes on Me" is the only other time he uses an intense vocal distortion while singing.

"All Eyes on Me" is the emotional climax of the story. But then our protagonist wakes up.

At last, Burnham sings his "Goodbye," and manages to go outside - only to feel terrified and vulnerable in the spotlight.

But in the end, Burnham watches back what he's made, and smiles ever so slightly.