I never cared for him as a comic. I never really thought about him enough to even form a proper dislike. But a couple of years ago he got my attention, as a writer/director, with World's Greatest Dad. (Starring Robin Williams, in his first performance I've been able to endure in 25 years.) For a black comedy about a failed writer who cashes in on the autoerotic death of his horrid teen son by hoaxing a suicide note - what could possibly go wrong with that material? - Goldwaith was note-perfect in his critique of celebrity culture and the prices some pay to play.
And now, or soon, there's God Bless America:
which I haven't seen yet, and I'm trying not to prejudge by the trailer, since the movie proper may display more self-awareness than I can find here. Because otherwise, I'd think one more joyous, cinematic spree killing is just compounding the culture's illness. I like the size of Goldthwait's contempt for his targets, but I'm unsure his aim is true this time.
But most of all: Bobcat Goldthwait?