Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads

Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself is often the name given for this special, but it can also be known as Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads. This 2006 comedy special is primarily an in-concert performance of one of the world's most popular ventriloquists. It features various characters and stories told in the style of an entertaining monologue, but it's more of a documentary style with Jeff Dunham explaining his personal beginnings to the various characters or "talking heads" that we see. Jeff Dunham begins his performance recounting stories about his childhood. He tells of his early fascination with ventriloquism after watching a local puppet show. Dunham was around ten years old when he first developed his skills as a ventriloquist. Throughout the special, the audience is introduced to several characters, each with distinct personalities that Dunham has developed and honed over the years. One of the main characters, Walter, is a sarcastic elderly grandfather who frequently argues with Jeff about politics and other subjects. This particular character has become a fan favorite and plays a significant part in the show as he is featured in several sketches and segments throughout the special. Dunham's act blends various elements, including a personal narrative, standup comedy, and sketches featuring his various "talking heads." These characters include Walter, Peanut the buck-toothed youngster with a love of guns, Jose Jalapeño on a Stick, a wise-cracking Mexican chili pepper, Bubba J, a stereotypical Southern redneck, and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, a skeletal, suicide-bomber-inspired figure who often expresses frustration with his own existence as a character. Jeff Dunham often engages in humorous monologues where he pokes fun at his own life. The special also touches upon Dunham's rise to fame, including a story about how he created the character Walter. Dunham's ventriloquism skill is impressive, with the character voices sounding almost like real human beings. Dunham is an extremely skilled ventriloquist, often having the audience question whether there is actually a person inside each puppet. Throughout the special, the characters frequently interact with one another, creating comedic situations and sketches. One segment involves Joey, a young, wisecracking puppet, engaging in an argument with Walter, his more senior and sarcastic counterpart. In a different segment, Jeff Dunham pokes fun at the way we consume media in the 2000s. He creates a mock commercial about his life and his characters, complete with a laughable, over-the-top narrator and cheesy graphics. As part of the special, Dunham tells a story about his early days of trying to make it as a comedian and ventriloquist. He shares how he traveled extensively, visiting bars and clubs to perform his act. While some of the humor in the special may not translate well to written format, the character-driven narrative adds depth to the show. Many in the audience seem to respond positively whenever the characters interact, often applauding and laughing when the dialogue between each character turns humorous. Arguably, a significant part of the success of this special lies in its ability to transcend its simple premise. Dunham has taken something seemingly basic – a person talking for puppets – and developed it into a complex world with relatable characters that engage audiences of all ages. The show is a perfect example of how to mix comedy and narrative storytelling. While Jeff Dunham might have been seen as just another comedian who uses puppetry to add to his act, he has proven that this form of comedy can be incredibly effective. Throughout the special, Dunham's ability to make each character sound and feel unique is impressive. Each puppet has distinct mannerisms and distinct personalities that add to the comedy.