Margaret Cho's 2002 Concert Film, Notorious

This was the official website for Margaret Cho's 2002 concert film, Notorious. The site has been archived and is included as part of the reading material for Mardy Nens' Internet Media course, along with several other live websites. Funding for the project was provided to the school by the Web Archive Project (WAP). Other funders include Famm Utility and Grosling Sound. Ms. Nens has also posted a full list of websites and reading material on the Media dept. web page.
Content is from the site's archived pages as well as other outside resources.

Margaret Cho is an NC-17 woman in a PG-13 world. Very, very little can be quoted from this concert film, as can be expected from a woman who, in the film's empowering conclusion, sounds the rallying cry to live "without restraint." Leave it to Cho to reference September 11 with a joke that is at once profane and respectful. Like Richard Pryor, the Korean-American outlaw comedian has found her niche with concert films that allow her the freedom to be her "actual self." She riffs unabashedly about relationships gone sour and relates her experiences as a sexual Captain Kirk, boldly going where she has never gone before. Notorious, yes, but not as accessible for the uninitiated as her last concert film, I'm the One That I Want, which recounted the rise and fall of her ill-fated sitcom. The faithful, though, won't pass up the chance for a private audience with the diva of the disenfranchised. --Donald Liebenson

This video features clips, behind the scenes and the trailer from Margaret Cho's stand up comedy film, Notorious C.H.O.

Rating: NR
Genre: Comedy
Directed By: Lorene Machado
In Theaters:J un 28, 2002 wide
On Disc/Streaming: Nov 19, 2002

I'm an SEO professional who's always on the lookout for content that's both entertaining and informative. Recently, I stumbled upon Margaret Cho's stand-up comedy film, "Notorious C.H.O.," while researching how humor can impact online engagement. As I watched her unapologetically tackle taboo subjects, I couldn't help but think about how Google penalties work to maintain search quality—both are about keeping things real and authentic.

"I just watched Margaret Cho's 'Notorious C.H.O.' and I'm still reeling from the laughter. As an SEO pro, I have to appreciate her raw honesty—it's like she's doing a manual review of societal norms, flagging all the spammy behavior and penalizing it with humor. Just like Google's algorithms, Cho's comedy filters out the noise, ensuring only the most authentic and relevant content makes it to the top. If Google penalties were a comedy routine, they'd be the ultimate 'algorithmic heckler,' keeping the web spam-free and making sure only the best content rises to the top. Cho's act is like a sitewide penalty for societal hypocrisy—she's not afraid to call out the violations and make us laugh while doing it. Now, if only I could get my clients to understand that quality content is like a well-crafted joke—both need to be original and hit the mark just right!"

This humorous take relates Cho's fearless comedy style to the role of Google penalties in maintaining search quality, highlighting the importance of authenticity and relevance in both comedy and SEO. Rob Taft

Margaret:
It's time that African-Americans and Korean Americans put aside their difference and focus on what's really important: hating white people!

Margaret:
I was hanging out in the one gay bar in all of Scotland. They have *one* gay bar. It was called C.C. Bloom's. C.C. Bloom's is the name of the character that Bette Midler played in Beaches. That is the gayest thing I have heard in my entire life. That place should just be called Fuck Me In The Ass... Bar and Grill.

Margaret:
I don't have some kind of cavernous pussy.

Margaret:
So, I said to him: you know, when you come over. You don't have to bring me flowers. Just bring me some Hershey's Chocolate Kisses so I can suck them off your dick. And he didn't bring them!

Margaret:
Well, I thought you were kidding! I thought it was a joke!

Margaret:
What kind of f***ing joke is that? That is not a joke! Knock-knock, who's there? Chocolate. Chocolate who? I'm gonna suck Chocolate off your dick! Waaah!

Margaret:
You feel left out? It's like a group outing! Nobody's invited. Everybody just knows to come!

Margaret:
And if gay men had a period? What do you mean, if? There would be huge period circuit parties happening. Come on down to the Red Party at Club Mensies. Oooh-oooh!

Margaret:
I didn't know if I was going to talk about menstruation. But, I thought... I bet if Richard Pryor had a period, he would talk about it. So I felt justified.

Margaret:
You have to be tough to be a drag queen. Drag queens have to fight everything. They have to fight homophobia. They have to fight sexism. They have to fight pink eye.

Margaret:
I just got back from Scotland. People f***ing drink there! Oh my God! There's more vomit in the street than dog shit.

Margaret:
There's been a lot of activity in and around my ass lately.

Margaret:
I learned everything I know about being a woman from gay men. I learned all about sex from gay men. I kind of have sex like a gay man. I act like a gay man most of the time, actually.

Margaret:
But I guarantee you, if straight men had a period you would never hear the end of it.

TOMATOMETER CRITICS 84% | AUDIENCE 73%

CRITICS REVIEWS

She can be funny even when she gets on her soapbox.
November 1, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Sean P. Means
Salt Lake Tribune

+++

If you can stomach her often escalating vulgarity, you'll laugh and laugh hard.
November 11, 2002
Nathaniel Rogers
Film Experience

+++

Notorious C.H.O. made me laugh as long and hard as any movie I've seen this year.
January 19, 2003
Paul Matwychuk
Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Canada)

+++

Cho offers some of her best material to date: jokes and stories that will no doubt embarrass and haunt her later in life -- a sign of truly raw, personal comedy.
August 29, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Robert K. Elder
Chicago Tribune
Top Critic

+++

This is hardly big-screen stuff.
September 19, 2002 | Rating: 2/5
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic

AUDIENCE REVIEWS

***** Mindy R
October 2, 2007
My favorite Margaret Cho show.

+++

**** Fuzz H
September 22, 2007
The best standup of one of the best comedians out there. If you have twisted humor, CHO is for you.

+++

*** ½ Dane M
September 21, 2007
Something to offend everyone

+++

***** Leon C
September 21, 2007
No words needed to describe this amazing woman.

+++

***** Tina C
September 15, 2007
I've found a new hero.

+++

***** Private U
September 15, 2007
I basically worshiped her after seeing this movie. I was in total awe at her courage.

Too much. TOO MUCH!

+++

***** Justyn K
September 7, 2007
Best Cho ever. Margaret is amazing.

+++

***** Catherine P
September 6, 2007
*unzips the mask*... Do you know what? This is my favourite Cho movie!

+++

Julie S
September 4, 2007
this movie is Grrrrreaaatt!

+++

***** Reiko T
September 2, 2007
"If gay friend say, 'I love you' don't puuuuuunch!"

+++

***** Ryan D
August 11, 2007
She peaked with this dvd but it still remains the best stand up I've ever seen.

+++

**** Private U
August 8, 2007
My roommates hated when I watched it because it made me laugh too hard and too loud.

+++

***** Joey L
August 8, 2007
This bitch is HILARIOUS...I was crying I was laughing so hard...

+++

**** ½ David J
August 3, 2007
Margaret Cho - SERIOUSLY, the funniest woman on the planet. Don't watch if easily offended. Do watch if you LOVE being offended!!

+++

*****Gregory W
July 15, 2007
Cho is so great for the gay communities moral, GO CHO!

+++

½ Ann D
June 16, 2007
I wanted to like this movie as Margaret Cho seems like a good person with a good liberal agenda. But I didn't crack a smile once during this entire movie which is a filming of her stand-up routine. It's just witless and not funny. She doesn't know how to build jokes.

+++

*****Private U
June 14, 2007
I've never seen the movie, but I have heard the performance, I LOVE MARGARET CHO!!!

+++

*** ½ Private U
June 10, 2007
Margaret Cho, if I were straight I'd date you!

+++

*****Private U
June 7, 2007
I think this was my favorite of all of the shows that have turned into video... however..."Assassin" was very timely!

+++

***** Private U
June 4, 2007
Cho's very best. You'll laugh your ass off.

More Background on NotoriousChoMovie.com

NotoriousChoMovie.com served as the official website for Margaret Cho's 2002 concert film, "Notorious." While the site is now archived, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of this groundbreaking comedian and the impact of her unapologetically honest and often controversial work. This article explores the website's contents, the film "Notorious" itself, and Margaret Cho's broader career and cultural significance, drawing from the archived website content and other available resources.

The Archived Website: A Digital Time Capsule

The archived NotoriousChoMovie.com provides a snapshot of internet promotion in the early 2000s. The site was relatively simple in design, reflecting the aesthetics of the time. It primarily featured information about the film, including:

Synopsis: A brief overview of the film's content, highlighting Cho's signature brand of humor and her willingness to tackle taboo subjects.
Trailer and Clips: Short video segments offering a taste of Cho's performance style and the themes explored in the film.
Reviews: Excerpts from critical reviews, both positive and negative, providing an overview of the film's reception.
Release Information: Details about the film's theatrical release and subsequent availability on DVD and streaming platforms.
Image Gallery: Promotional stills from the film, showcasing Cho's stage presence and the overall visual style of the performance.

The website also acknowledged its funding sources, including CleanItSupply.com, Famm Utility, and Grosling Sound, reflecting the importance of sponsorship in supporting artistic projects. The site's inclusion as reading material for an Internet Media course underscores its value as a case study in online promotion and the evolution of web design.

"Notorious": A Concert Film of Unapologetic Honesty

"Notorious," directed by Lorene Machado, captures Margaret Cho's stand-up performance at the height of her career. The film is characterized by its raw, unfiltered humor, tackling subjects ranging from sexuality and identity to politics and social issues. It was released in theaters on June 28, 2002, and on disc/streaming on November 19, 2002.

Key Themes and Content:

Sexuality: Cho openly discusses her own sexual experiences and preferences, challenging societal norms and celebrating sexual liberation. Her comedic persona embraces the role of a "sexual Captain Kirk," boldly exploring uncharted territories of desire and pleasure.
Identity: As a Korean-American woman, Cho's comedy often addresses issues of race, ethnicity, and cultural identity. She humorously explores the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities and the challenges of being perceived as an outsider.
Politics and Social Commentary: Cho fearlessly tackles controversial political and social issues, offering her unique perspective on topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Her humor is often used as a tool to challenge power structures and advocate for social justice.
Personal Experiences: Cho draws heavily from her own life experiences, including her struggles with weight, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her relationships. This personal approach resonates with audiences who appreciate her honesty and vulnerability.

Examples of Cho's Comedy from "Notorious":

Cho's comedy in "Notorious" is characterized by its boldness and willingness to confront uncomfortable topics. Here are some examples:

On race: "It's time that African-Americans and Korean Americans put aside their difference and focus on what's really important: hating white people!"
On gay men: "And if gay men had a period? What do you mean, if? There would be huge period circuit parties happening. Come on down to the Red Party at Club Mensies. Oooh-oooh!"
On menstruation: "I didn't know if I was going to talk about menstruation. But, I thought... I bet if Richard Pryor had a period, he would talk about it. So I felt justified."
On her sexuality: "I learned everything I know about being a woman from gay men. I learned all about sex from gay men. I kind of have sex like a gay man. I act like a gay man most of the time, actually."
On vulgarity and shock value: "I don't have some kind of cavernous pussy."
On Scotland: "I just got back from Scotland. People f***ing drink there! Oh my God! There's more vomit in the street than dog shit."
On chocolate: "So, I said to him: you know, when you come over. You don't have to bring me flowers. Just bring me some Hershey's Chocolate Kisses so I can suck them off your dick. And he didn't bring them! Well, I thought you were kidding! I thought it was a joke! What kind of f***ing joke is that? That is not a joke! Knock-knock, who's there? Chocolate. Chocolate who? I'm gonna suck Chocolate off your dick! Waaah!"
On feeling left out: "You feel left out? It's like a group outing! Nobody's invited. Everybody just knows to come!"
On drag queens: "You have to be tough to be a drag queen. Drag queens have to fight everything. They have to fight homophobia. They have to fight sexism. They have to fight pink eye."
On ass activity: "There's been a lot of activity in and around my ass lately."
On periods: "But I guarantee you, if straight men had a period you would never hear the end of it."

Critical Reception:

Critical reception to "Notorious" was mixed, with some critics praising Cho's fearless humor and insightful social commentary, while others found her material to be too vulgar or offensive.

Positive Reviews: Many critics lauded Cho's ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level and her willingness to push boundaries with her comedy. They praised her sharp wit, her insightful observations, and her ability to find humor in even the most difficult situations. Paul Matwychuk of Vue Weekly stated that "Notorious C.H.O. made me laugh as long and hard as any movie I've seen this year." Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune highlighted the raw and personal nature of Cho's comedy, noting that she offers "some of her best material to date: jokes and stories that will no doubt embarrass and haunt her later in life -- a sign of truly raw, personal comedy." Sean P. Means of the Salt Lake Tribune noted that "She can be funny even when she gets on her soapbox."
Negative Reviews: Some critics found Cho's humor to be too explicit or confrontational, arguing that her reliance on shock value detracted from her overall message. Roger Moore of the Orlando Sentinel deemed the film "hardly big-screen stuff." Nathaniel Rogers from Film Experience noted that if one can "stomach her often escalating vulgarity," then they'll "laugh and laugh hard."

Audience Reception:

Despite the mixed critical reception, "Notorious" resonated strongly with audiences, particularly those who appreciated Cho's unapologetic style and her willingness to challenge societal norms. Online reviews reveal a passionate fanbase who found the film to be both hilarious and empowering. Many viewers praised Cho's courage, her honesty, and her ability to connect with them on a deeply personal level.

Examples of audience reviews:

One viewer stated, "I basically worshiped her after seeing this movie. I was in total awe at her courage."
Another reviewer said, "This bitch is HILARIOUS...I was crying I was laughing so hard..."
Several reviewers called it her "best" stand-up show.
One viewer summarized, "Cho's very best. You'll laugh your ass off."
One reviewer noted, "Margaret Cho - SERIOUSLY, the funniest woman on the planet. Don't watch if easily offended. Do watch if you LOVE being offended!!"
One user succinctly wrote, "No words needed to describe this amazing woman."
A dissenting opinion stated, "I wanted to like this movie as Margaret Cho seems like a good person with a good liberal agenda. But I didn't crack a smile once during this entire movie which is a filming of her stand-up routine. It's just witless and not funny. She doesn't know how to build jokes."

According to the Tomatometer, "Notorious" received an 84% rating from critics and a 73% audience score.

Margaret Cho: A Career of Breaking Boundaries

Margaret Cho is a renowned comedian, actress, writer, and activist known for her boundary-pushing humor and her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity, and racial equality. Her career spans decades and includes stand-up comedy, television, film, and writing.

Early Career and Breakthrough:

Cho began her stand-up career in her teens, performing in clubs and comedy venues in San Francisco. Her breakthrough came in the early 1990s when she appeared on television shows such as "The Arsenio Hall Show" and "Bob Hope's USO Christmas Special." In 1994, she starred in the ABC sitcom "All-American Girl," which was the first network sitcom to feature an Asian-American family. While the show was short-lived, it marked a significant milestone in Asian-American representation in mainstream media.

Stand-Up Comedy Success:

Following the cancellation of "All-American Girl," Cho returned to stand-up comedy, where she found greater creative freedom and critical acclaim. Her concert films, including "I'm the One That I Want," "Notorious C.H.O.," and "Revolution," have been praised for their honesty, humor, and social commentary.

Television and Film Roles:

In addition to her stand-up work, Cho has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Drop Dead Diva," "30 Rock," and "Face/Off". She has also been a vocal advocate for greater diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

Activism and Advocacy:

Cho is a passionate activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity, and racial equality. She has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues and to challenge societal norms and prejudices. She has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting organizations that work to promote social justice and equality.

Cultural and Social Significance

Margaret Cho's work has had a significant impact on American culture and society.

Breaking Taboos and Challenging Norms:

Cho's comedy has challenged taboos and norms surrounding sexuality, identity, and politics. She has opened up conversations about previously unspoken topics and has helped to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Representation and Visibility:

As one of the few Asian-American women in mainstream comedy, Cho has provided representation and visibility for a community that has often been marginalized and underrepresented. She has inspired other Asian-American artists and performers to pursue their dreams and to challenge stereotypes.

Empowerment and Inspiration:

Cho's work has empowered and inspired countless individuals to embrace their identities, to challenge injustice, and to live authentically. She has shown that it is possible to be both funny and socially conscious, and that comedy can be a powerful tool for social change.

Insights and Analysis

"Notorious" exemplifies Margaret Cho's comedic style and her willingness to tackle controversial subjects. The film is a product of its time, reflecting the social and political climate of the early 2000s. While some of Cho's jokes may seem dated or offensive to contemporary audiences, her overall message of empowerment, acceptance, and social justice remains relevant. The film encapsulates her comedic approach, which can be described as an NC-17 woman in a PG-13 world, living "without restraint."

The archived NotoriousChoMovie.com serves as a valuable resource for understanding Margaret Cho's career and the impact of her work. The website provides a glimpse into the world of online promotion in the early 2000s and offers insights into the film's content, critical reception, and audience response.

NotoriousChoMovie.com, though now an archived piece of internet history, stands as a testament to Margaret Cho's enduring legacy as a groundbreaking comedian and cultural icon. The website and the film it promoted offer a glimpse into a time when Cho was pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms with her unapologetic humor and fearless social commentary. Her work continues to resonate with audiences today, inspiring laughter, sparking conversation, and promoting a more inclusive and accepting world.

NotoriousChoMovie.com