Pryor's 'Live in Concert': Bare Bones Brilliance or...Something More?

Okay so, I just re-watched "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert" (freaking hilarious, still). And I'm thinking... is it just Pryor's genius, or is there some really subtle but deliberate choices going on behind the camera that elevate it? I mean, it's essentially a dude, on a stage, with a mic. No frills. But think about the camera angles – they're almost always eye-level, making you feel like you're right there, part of the audience. No dramatic crane shots or weird Dutch angles distracting from the performance. It's almost like the director (whoever it was, lol) knew that getting out of Pryor's way was the best special effect you could ask for. Maybe that's too simple but maybe its not. And the lighting! It's not flashy, but it isolates Pryor perfectly against the dark backdrop. That contrast really emphasizes his physicality, his expressions. And the sound… they somehow captured the raw energy of the room without making it sound echoey or distorted. It's clean, punchy, and lets Pryor's voice cut through like a knife. I'm wondering if they used some really advanced micing techniques for the era? Especially during the stories where he's doing voices, switching characters instantly. Here's my pet theory: the "rawness" isn't just a lack of budget or ambition. It's a conscious aesthetic choice that amplifies Pryor's impact. By stripping away the usual layers of artifice, they let the real magic – Pryor's unparalleled storytelling and vulnerability – shine through. It almost feels like an anti-special effect, like they are fighting against all types of effects. It's like they're saying, 'we don't need fancy tricks, just watch this guy.' Of course, it could just be a happy accident, a perfect storm of talent and circumstance. But knowing what I know about filmmaking (a little bit anyway), and how deliberate choices can be even in seemingly "simple" productions, I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye. Anyone else have similar thoughts or am I overthinking a comedy show from the 70s? lol