This would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions. Michael Scott is an "average to below average" in terms of moral character which helps him fill the role of the comic hero. He is not worthless to the plot nor the story line, he is also the manager of the Scranton branch. The ordinary people in this episode are the rest of the employees of Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch. Dwight who rushes to Michael's aid, Pam who answers the phone as she is the receptionist in this episode. She tends to be a plain and everyday figure in this setting. Unlike Michael's high position in power, the rest of the employee's are under Michael's management. The Office is farce and satirical comedy. The characters are overly ridiculous, more expressive and dramatic than actual day to day people. Some characters, like Michael in The Injury, are hypocritical as Michael only cares about his injured foot and not Dwight's well being after getting a concussion due to the crash into the pole while picking up Michael. Due to these reasons, The Injury would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions.
Showing posts with label Aristotle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aristotle. Show all posts
Monday, March 4, 2019
The Injury
In the episode The Injury, in the show The Office, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) burns his foot on a George Foreman grill and demands attention from everyone in the Dunder Mifflin Scranton office.
This would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions. Michael Scott is an "average to below average" in terms of moral character which helps him fill the role of the comic hero. He is not worthless to the plot nor the story line, he is also the manager of the Scranton branch. The ordinary people in this episode are the rest of the employees of Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch. Dwight who rushes to Michael's aid, Pam who answers the phone as she is the receptionist in this episode. She tends to be a plain and everyday figure in this setting. Unlike Michael's high position in power, the rest of the employee's are under Michael's management. The Office is farce and satirical comedy. The characters are overly ridiculous, more expressive and dramatic than actual day to day people. Some characters, like Michael in The Injury, are hypocritical as Michael only cares about his injured foot and not Dwight's well being after getting a concussion due to the crash into the pole while picking up Michael. Due to these reasons, The Injury would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions.
This would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions. Michael Scott is an "average to below average" in terms of moral character which helps him fill the role of the comic hero. He is not worthless to the plot nor the story line, he is also the manager of the Scranton branch. The ordinary people in this episode are the rest of the employees of Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch. Dwight who rushes to Michael's aid, Pam who answers the phone as she is the receptionist in this episode. She tends to be a plain and everyday figure in this setting. Unlike Michael's high position in power, the rest of the employee's are under Michael's management. The Office is farce and satirical comedy. The characters are overly ridiculous, more expressive and dramatic than actual day to day people. Some characters, like Michael in The Injury, are hypocritical as Michael only cares about his injured foot and not Dwight's well being after getting a concussion due to the crash into the pole while picking up Michael. Due to these reasons, The Injury would be considered a comedy in Aristotle's definitions.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Comedy is Seriously (pun intended) Underrated
It is true that in the movie, The Hangover, that there is the rise of fortune for the main characters along
with the undenying charm of the main lead character, Phil (Bradley Cooper) supporting Aristotle's
definition of comedy. Aristotle defines comedy as "a story of the rise in fortune of a sympathetic central
character." and throughout the plot line of this movie this definition along with many more of Aristotle's
ingredients to a proper comedy are delivered.
with the undenying charm of the main lead character, Phil (Bradley Cooper) supporting Aristotle's
definition of comedy. Aristotle defines comedy as "a story of the rise in fortune of a sympathetic central
character." and throughout the plot line of this movie this definition along with many more of Aristotle's
ingredients to a proper comedy are delivered.
One of Aristotle's main points in defining a comedy, is having seemingly inappropriate scenes that
would normally be viewed as dark or gross come off as hilarious and gut wrenchingly funny.
Among all the other comedic movies out there, I strongly believe that none deliver on this point as
much as The Hangover. There are multiple times in which the audience will experience Phil, Alan, or Stu
perform utterly obscene acts that normally would not be scene as laugh worthy, but in context of the rising
plot and surrounding event gives off incredible bursts of comedy and laughter.
would normally be viewed as dark or gross come off as hilarious and gut wrenchingly funny.
Among all the other comedic movies out there, I strongly believe that none deliver on this point as
much as The Hangover. There are multiple times in which the audience will experience Phil, Alan, or Stu
perform utterly obscene acts that normally would not be scene as laugh worthy, but in context of the rising
plot and surrounding event gives off incredible bursts of comedy and laughter.
For many more reasons than this, I believe that comedy in in itself is a crucial and necessary part of our
life's as humans. I believe comedy enhances our lives in many ways. One of those ways being that comedy gives us, as humans an escape from the seriousness and stress in our lives and allows us to let loose and have fun. Comedy does not just have to come in the forms of movies or TV shows it could be the little things like funny signs or pictures that cheer and individual up. Comedy may be seen as rude and brash but, to many it is a way to laugh at things they normally couldn't in a serious environment, it is a way to let loose and lighten up the hectic and busy thoughts going through all of our heads. Aristotle's definition of comedy may not apply to all forms of comedy like it does in The Hangover, but most definitely relates to most and more importantly it positively affects most people. In fact, I would argue that when writing his thoughts down many years ago, Aristotle himself had a couple of laughs.
life's as humans. I believe comedy enhances our lives in many ways. One of those ways being that comedy gives us, as humans an escape from the seriousness and stress in our lives and allows us to let loose and have fun. Comedy does not just have to come in the forms of movies or TV shows it could be the little things like funny signs or pictures that cheer and individual up. Comedy may be seen as rude and brash but, to many it is a way to laugh at things they normally couldn't in a serious environment, it is a way to let loose and lighten up the hectic and busy thoughts going through all of our heads. Aristotle's definition of comedy may not apply to all forms of comedy like it does in The Hangover, but most definitely relates to most and more importantly it positively affects most people. In fact, I would argue that when writing his thoughts down many years ago, Aristotle himself had a couple of laughs.
Why Brooklyn 99 is Meaningful
If Aristotle defines a comedy as any entertainment form that has a happy ending, I think that many, if not all, comedies have the ability to contribute meaningful insights on human existence.
Brooklyn 99 is a comedic television show about a group of detectives in New York who solve cases together. It's very lighthearted, and constantly makes silly jokes within the group of detective friends. It follows their friendships as they go through new changes in their lives, like when they have children, get married, and go through heartbreaks.
Although Brooklyn 99 makes hilarious lighthearted content, it also makes serious points about racism and homophobia. For example, one detective named Terry Jeffords gets stopped by a white police officer for being black. He tried to explain to the officer that he was a detective himself, and he wasn't doing anything wrong, but the officer wouldn't listen to him. Terry tried to have a sit down conversation with the unapologetic white officer about how it's wrong to stop black people if they are not clearly doing something against the law.
This brought up the issue about how racism sadly plays a major role in who gets arrested or not. Even though the episode was able to make you laugh, it made you more aware of the realities of racism today's society.
Captain Holt is the detective's boss and is a African American, openly gay man. Although, his sexuality and race doesn't define his character. He is a highly intelligent, no-nonsense man who is respected and loved at his job. But, Holt explains in episode how he wasn't always respected at work. He talks about how he constantly faced professional roadblocks because of the homophobia and racism in the 70's and 80's. Despite the fact that he had lots of experience in his field of work, he was often disrespected by, and excluded from the other white, straight males at work.
This makes the audience more aware of how homophobia plays a role in our society, and how someone's sexuality doesn't define their characteristics. The show still makes you laugh at the silly jokes the characters often make, but it brings your attention to serious issues that still play a role in American society today.
Brooklyn 99 has a happy ending in each of its shows, but that doesn't mean that it can't enforce and analyze important, meaningful issues within the show and its characters. A happy ending doesn't necessary hide the depth of each character and their struggles, but it merely reveals meaningful insights to its audience while still making them laugh and keeping their attention. I think a comedy can be even more meaningful than a tragedy sometimes, because it doesn't dwell on depression, but rather presents both the joy and sadness of life in a hilarious, captivating way.
Brooklyn 99 is a comedic television show about a group of detectives in New York who solve cases together. It's very lighthearted, and constantly makes silly jokes within the group of detective friends. It follows their friendships as they go through new changes in their lives, like when they have children, get married, and go through heartbreaks.
Although Brooklyn 99 makes hilarious lighthearted content, it also makes serious points about racism and homophobia. For example, one detective named Terry Jeffords gets stopped by a white police officer for being black. He tried to explain to the officer that he was a detective himself, and he wasn't doing anything wrong, but the officer wouldn't listen to him. Terry tried to have a sit down conversation with the unapologetic white officer about how it's wrong to stop black people if they are not clearly doing something against the law.
This brought up the issue about how racism sadly plays a major role in who gets arrested or not. Even though the episode was able to make you laugh, it made you more aware of the realities of racism today's society.
Captain Holt is the detective's boss and is a African American, openly gay man. Although, his sexuality and race doesn't define his character. He is a highly intelligent, no-nonsense man who is respected and loved at his job. But, Holt explains in episode how he wasn't always respected at work. He talks about how he constantly faced professional roadblocks because of the homophobia and racism in the 70's and 80's. Despite the fact that he had lots of experience in his field of work, he was often disrespected by, and excluded from the other white, straight males at work.
This makes the audience more aware of how homophobia plays a role in our society, and how someone's sexuality doesn't define their characteristics. The show still makes you laugh at the silly jokes the characters often make, but it brings your attention to serious issues that still play a role in American society today.
Brooklyn 99 has a happy ending in each of its shows, but that doesn't mean that it can't enforce and analyze important, meaningful issues within the show and its characters. A happy ending doesn't necessary hide the depth of each character and their struggles, but it merely reveals meaningful insights to its audience while still making them laugh and keeping their attention. I think a comedy can be even more meaningful than a tragedy sometimes, because it doesn't dwell on depression, but rather presents both the joy and sadness of life in a hilarious, captivating way.
The Hidden Message in a Game of "TAG"
In Aristotle's time comedy included a spectacle of men dancing, singing, or celebrating around an image of a phallus. But this is not a required ingredient of comedy. The only required element of a comedy is that is has a happy ending. Overall, a dramatic comedy includes the rise of a favorable or relatable character.
There are many comedies that contain great messages and prove to be meaningful art forms. On the other hand, compared to a tragedy, the lessons of a comedic movie may not seem existent. In other words, due to the entertaining nature of dramatic comedies, people get distracted from the lessons the story has to tell. Just because the audience isn't acknowledging the deeper meaning of a film doesn't mean there isn't a deeper meaning to be discovered. Most of the time people watch funny movies because they want to watch something light-hearted. Therefore they aren't looking to discover anything the film might be saying about their understanding of the world.
One movie that is considered a dramatic comedy but also enhances the audience's understanding of the world is TAG. In TAG tells the story of a group of male friends who have been playing the same game of tag for 30 years. It's entertaining, funny, and subscribes to Aristotle's definition of dramatic comedy. For instance, as the movie progresses Hoagie's confidence and esteem noticeably decrease. Most of this decrease in self-confidence has to do with his inability to tag his friend Jerry. At the end of the movie, his rise comes from finally being able to tag Jerry and that's when the audience finally learns the lesson the movie created. The audience learns that always trying to be the best, like Jerry, can get in the way of really experiencing life.
Dramatic comedies can teach their audiences a lot. They are also special because the audience can choose whether or not they want to look for a lesson or simply just enjoy the movie. Either way, the movie serves a purpose because being entertained can be a distractor from the stressors the audience wants to avoid. At the same time, dramatic comedies can enhance the audience's perspective on life in an easy-to-digest manner. Therefore, receiving the message may be easier than learning it from a tragedy.
There are many comedies that contain great messages and prove to be meaningful art forms. On the other hand, compared to a tragedy, the lessons of a comedic movie may not seem existent. In other words, due to the entertaining nature of dramatic comedies, people get distracted from the lessons the story has to tell. Just because the audience isn't acknowledging the deeper meaning of a film doesn't mean there isn't a deeper meaning to be discovered. Most of the time people watch funny movies because they want to watch something light-hearted. Therefore they aren't looking to discover anything the film might be saying about their understanding of the world.
One movie that is considered a dramatic comedy but also enhances the audience's understanding of the world is TAG. In TAG tells the story of a group of male friends who have been playing the same game of tag for 30 years. It's entertaining, funny, and subscribes to Aristotle's definition of dramatic comedy. For instance, as the movie progresses Hoagie's confidence and esteem noticeably decrease. Most of this decrease in self-confidence has to do with his inability to tag his friend Jerry. At the end of the movie, his rise comes from finally being able to tag Jerry and that's when the audience finally learns the lesson the movie created. The audience learns that always trying to be the best, like Jerry, can get in the way of really experiencing life.
Dramatic comedies can teach their audiences a lot. They are also special because the audience can choose whether or not they want to look for a lesson or simply just enjoy the movie. Either way, the movie serves a purpose because being entertained can be a distractor from the stressors the audience wants to avoid. At the same time, dramatic comedies can enhance the audience's perspective on life in an easy-to-digest manner. Therefore, receiving the message may be easier than learning it from a tragedy.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
"Bad Moms" Is Not a Bad Comedy
Mila Kunis stars in the 2016 comedy, Bad Moms. Her character Amy, is an average suburban mom trying to juggle her job, her crumbling marriage, and to be a "good mom" which consists of everything ranging from carpool to PTA meetings. After a particular stressful day, Amy dramatically quits the PTA and decided trying to be a good mom is too hard and decides to be a "bad mom" She decided to stop being a helicopter parent granting her kids more freedom and decides not to stress about how other moms view her. Through this journey she meets two other moms who are also done presenting themselves as the "perfect" mom and together they learn how to be more laid back.
Bad Moms upholds Aristotle's definition of comedy in many ways. Aristotle suggest that most characters are ordinary people. Amy achieves this by being an ordinary mom from the suburbs juggling work life with family life. She is average in terms of moral character. She is no where near a saint but she does what she thinks is best for her kids and for herself. The plot starts off when Amy hits rock bottom when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. She then gets in an argument with some PTA moms and decided to quit being a good mom. From this moment on, the plot is centered on her getting back on her feet. She decided to run for PTA president, and spoiler alert, she wins. Here Aristotle's definition is again evident when we feel satisfaction when she succeeds and gets what she deserves. The underdog wins, after we see her prove her character through the various obstacles she tackles.
This movie enhances our understanding of human nature. We see someone start at the bottom and work their way up tackling obstacles left and right. We learn how to laugh when things go wrong but to never give up on the original goals we set. Overall, Bad Moms is true to Aristotle's definition. Not only does it make the audience laugh but the plot tells the story of the rise in fortune of a main character.
Friday, March 1, 2019
As You Wish
Let’s talk about The Princess Bride. Aside from being a hilariously witty and strikingly humorous fantasy/adventure film, it also fulfills Aristotle’s definition of a Comedy. In fact, it’s a Comedy within a Comedy! Both the grandson (of the “real world” plot) and Buttercup (of the fantasy plot) are of ordinary backgrounds and unfortunate circumstances: Buttercup is to be married to one she doesn’t love, and the grandson is sick, grumpy, and vehemently opposed to “kissy parts.” Over the course of the film, both main characters undergo a classic Comedic “rise” and improve their situations significantly. Buttercup finds true love, and the grandchild finds ease and comfort (even overcoming his hatred of kissy parts!).
The Princess Bride is one example of a meaningful Comedy. Although it is playful and light, one does not have to search long to find greater human truths. Perhaps it is the “criminal(s) with the heart of gold” or “true love will find a way” or “even those in power can be brought low.” While these ideas (which are most definitely not the only themes of the film) are a bit cliche, they serve as an important reminder of the positive power of humanity. Should The Princess Bride have ended as a Tragedy, with the death of Buttercup and Westley, many of the themes would remain the same. The conclusion of a happy ending does not diminish the meaning of the work.
In fact, all Aristotelian Comedies are inherently meaningful. They show a relatable hero rising to fortune and all the success of a happy ending. If the goal of Tragedy is to evoke catharsis and stir audiences to change the world around them, then Comedy serves as a reminder of to what end those changes serve. Comedy offers a place of stability, a goal point for those moved to fix the world. Without Comedy, Tragedy has no aim. Without Tragedy, Comedy has no pleasantness. The two Aristotelian forms exist in synergy, each giving meaning to the other.
"Dumb and Dumber" is... the Dumbest
Dumb and Dumber. A classic tale of two men, who begin literally and figuratively in the dumps, and through a series of hilarious trials and tribulations end up... essentially in the same spot. While this movie is undeniably funny, it is more debatable whether or not it meets Aristotle's definition of "true comedy."
Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne are two goofy best friends living together in Providence, Rhode Island. Their homes, jobs, and love lives are absolute disasters, but they don't care until one of them, Lloyd, falls instantly in love with a Mary Swanson whom he cabs to the airport. He follows her inside and observes that she drops her briefcase. Unbeknownst to Lloyd, that briefcase contained ransom money for the kidnappers of Mary's husband, Bobby. But immediately noticing a way to her affection, Lloyd grabs the bag and races after her. He finds that her plane to Aspen, Colorado has departed, and so naturally he decides to follow her with Harry.
By this logic, Lloyd and Harry may be considered "comic heroes" by Aristotle's standards, if they become elevated from their original low position. Since they do not, the men and their story do not fulfill this criterion of satirical comedy. However, the movie itself arguably functions upon the "farce" form of comedy, since it contains mostly "zaniness, slapstick humor, and hilarious improbability," it fairly meets the Comedic characterization. The film also seems to make an attempt at being a romantic comedy; when Lloyd finally reaches Mary, she ends up admitting him that there would be a "one in a million" chance of them ending up together, to which Lloyd responds, "So you're telling me there's a chance!"
Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne are two goofy best friends living together in Providence, Rhode Island. Their homes, jobs, and love lives are absolute disasters, but they don't care until one of them, Lloyd, falls instantly in love with a Mary Swanson whom he cabs to the airport. He follows her inside and observes that she drops her briefcase. Unbeknownst to Lloyd, that briefcase contained ransom money for the kidnappers of Mary's husband, Bobby. But immediately noticing a way to her affection, Lloyd grabs the bag and races after her. He finds that her plane to Aspen, Colorado has departed, and so naturally he decides to follow her with Harry.
What ensues is a folly-filled adventure of the two men on their pursuit, being introduced to the kidnappers by way of their parakeet's decapitation, encountering tough guys that for no apparent reason attack them in a comedic fight scene in a restaurant off of the highway, and taking a wrong turn on the last leg of their trip, ending up in Nebraska instead of the desired Colorado. All this for Mary, whom Lloyd hopes can "plug them into the social pipeline."
While the movie is funny, it does not ultimately comment seriously on society. The final clip is a defeated Lloyd and Harry, who have created more trouble than they've solved. The boy and the girl do not end up together, and the men are not elevated out of their previous statuses whatsoever. They quickly disregard their failure, and begin a lighthearted game of tag, literally skipping off into the sunset. It would be a stretch to say the movie presents a serious theme of "If you have friends, you don't need anything else," because truly, the movie simply exists for the hilarity of the men's follies.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Blades of Glory: A Deeper Meaning
"Blades of Glory" reminds me of my childhood. It is one of my dads favorite comedies, and although I understood pretty much none of the jokes the first hundred times I watched it, I will always love this movie.
"Blades of Glory" is a good movie to watch when you're looking for a light movie, and one that will make you laugh a lot. However, Blades of Glory contains some commentary, especially regarding homophobia and masculinity. I read one review on the movie before writing this, and the author commented on how the movie had too many homophobic jokes for his liking.
From my perspective, these jokes were purposeful. The movie makes many jokes about how figure skating isn't a masculine sport and about a "bromance". Two male athletes competing as a couple in figure skating made the men subject to jokes and a bit of humiliation. However, in the end the duo wins the gold medal.
Because the athletes are able to step outside of a man box, and not worry about how people perceived them as a couple on the ice, they were able to overcome many adversitites that happened throughout the movie, as a strong duo. Masculinity was not the goal for Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy. What's really so wrong with two males figure skating for the gold?
Much Ado About Comedy
Much Ado About Nothing, one of William Shakespeare's famous comedies, is a prime example representing themes and motifs required of Aristotle for a comedy: sexual jokes (yes, actually, the great Shakespeare rarely gets through a play without sex jokes), romance, the rise in fortune of the fools, Dogberry and his crew, Benedick and Beatrice, and Hero and Claudio, and a happy ending.
Sex and romance are clear leading themes in the play, with the immediate attraction between Hero and Claudio upon first sight, as well as the evident dramatic history between Benedick and Beatrice, with an not-so-subtle underlying sexual tension. Shakespeare explores the folly of human nature in romance through the antithesized relationship between Ben and Bea, as their actions clearly counteract their deepest feelings and what they truly want. Additionally, through Claudio's misinterpretation of Hero's loyalty and chastity- one can argue Shakespeare even subtly criticizes the then present social taboo of women's sexual freedom by weighing it against Claudio's loyalty to Hero, and even the importance of true love itself.
And, as with any Shakespeare play, there are the bumbling fools, Dogberry and his watch, the equivalent of Dwight Shrute's volunteer sheriff's deputy position- basically fake police. This group slapsticks their way through trying to acquire occupational respect, and consequently accidentally succeeding and catching the "bad guys" and saving the day, without ever really realizing the gravity of their actions.
This double edged romantic comedy is brilliant because with it's two simultaneous love stories, Shakespeare presents opposing relationships, flips them, and then brings them to the same happy ending. The play is just a long taunting of the audience. Most importantly, it deals with real, sincere situations that many can relate to, and simply emphasizes and colors it in. That's why Shakespeare is so timeless, because despite era, the human condition and the inherently genuine dilemma's humans face stay constant.
Sex and romance are clear leading themes in the play, with the immediate attraction between Hero and Claudio upon first sight, as well as the evident dramatic history between Benedick and Beatrice, with an not-so-subtle underlying sexual tension. Shakespeare explores the folly of human nature in romance through the antithesized relationship between Ben and Bea, as their actions clearly counteract their deepest feelings and what they truly want. Additionally, through Claudio's misinterpretation of Hero's loyalty and chastity- one can argue Shakespeare even subtly criticizes the then present social taboo of women's sexual freedom by weighing it against Claudio's loyalty to Hero, and even the importance of true love itself.
And, as with any Shakespeare play, there are the bumbling fools, Dogberry and his watch, the equivalent of Dwight Shrute's volunteer sheriff's deputy position- basically fake police. This group slapsticks their way through trying to acquire occupational respect, and consequently accidentally succeeding and catching the "bad guys" and saving the day, without ever really realizing the gravity of their actions.
This double edged romantic comedy is brilliant because with it's two simultaneous love stories, Shakespeare presents opposing relationships, flips them, and then brings them to the same happy ending. The play is just a long taunting of the audience. Most importantly, it deals with real, sincere situations that many can relate to, and simply emphasizes and colors it in. That's why Shakespeare is so timeless, because despite era, the human condition and the inherently genuine dilemma's humans face stay constant.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is the perfect example for why a comedy is a meaningful art form. The story follows Forrest Gump, a cognitively impaired but well meaning and unceasingly optimistic man through the events of his life. The film repeatedly demonstrates the idea that life is truly a mystery, and that you shouldn't allow personal detractors stop you from accomplishing things. This is evident throughout the movie, for example, such as the time that Forrest, who had spent his life in leg braces, breaks them while running from bullies, only to learn that he can not only run fine, but that he can actually run incredibly fast, which later secures him a scholarship to the University of Alabama.
He goes on to win a football game for this school. Furthermore, Forrest fights in Vietnam, as terrible situation for anyone, yet he manages to make a lifelong friend and business partner and, despite being injured, meets the president. Gump also wins medals, creates a famous shrimping fleet, meets the president multiple times, and even starts a jogging movement, all of which further the idea that while everyone has issues that could potentially restrain them from achieving great things, anyone can do anything. Nothing quite portrays this idea like the famous line from the film, "My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
This simple yet effective phrase embodies the recurring motif of the movie perfectly. It's meaning is simple; the outcomes of life are random. You cannot truly know what each one (or chocolate) will be until you try it, and as such there is no reason not to. This phrase, as it relates to the film as a whole, states that it is human nature to be afraid to choose from a variety of unknown possibilities, so you have to jump in with positivity, regardless of any outstanding circumstances (which won't really hold you back anyway).
Monday, February 20, 2017
Is that an American Dad?
Don't you just love America. Land of the free and Home of the Brave? Men all around generous selfless and will help everyone they come past. Women freedom to be themselves and do what they want. Teenagers or young adults know how to become better leaders. Also, the best pets you can ever ask for. We do such a great job selling America being great but according to American Dad that is not the case at all.
In American dad we have Stan Smith who played the average American Dad but it is the complete opposite of what people think of men are. He is foolish, stereotypical, selfish, hilarious (without trying to be) and just an overall jackass we see in many rich white males. He also has a gun everywhere he goes and uses it without any cause. Francine smith is the average housewife who cooks and clean on such a routine that it might actually kill her if she stops and has to constantly make herself look good to please her husband. She also has to please everyone. Then you have Steve and Haley. Steve a dorky kid whose hormones levels are so high he might be able to hump anything at this point and Haley a stoner who pretends to care about the planet and others until she needs to make personal sacrifice. Heck Roger the alien who is by far the funniest character in the show might be more human than he is portrayed.
Yet this story is portrayed the way it is to shown. That Americans are not these great people like people in other countries may be. Each episode tends to focus on one character attributes and a little of the other ones. So for this example I will be using Stan Smith episode when he thought his next door neighbors were terrorist. The episode is very hilarious I will give it and will be shocked if you don´t laugh. However, the episode is about to middle eastern couples who just moved down the street and immediately he thinks they are terrorist. He frisked them, hid cameras in their house and even locked them up behind an electrified fence. How crazy can you be. Than you have the Francine tricking everyone that it's a party idea so everyone won´t hate them. The show is really funny, but shows that men like Stan Smith think everyone is out to get them and is so delusional that they will do anything to keep them in check.
The show has some interesting things about how Americans function. As bad as I want to say that this is not true it is and a lot of people can't handle the truth. It's easier to process things like this through comedy because it's not suppose to be taken seriously. Many grown people watch shows like this and will laugh without knowing that they are laughing at themselves because that's exactly how they act.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Humor At The Office
The american television hit show The Office, is a nine season long comedy that displays the life of ordinary people in humor kind of way. The show takes place at a paper company in Scranton PA, where an idiotic boss, Micheal Scott, dwells in the life of his employees. The Office is set as a documentary, to persuade the audience of its realism to exacerbate the ordinary lifestyle portrayed though the characters. Some of the main employees include Jim Halpert, Pam Beasly, and Dwight Schrute who are some of the most popular characters in the show. Throughout the series, the audience experience the life of a not so typical office, from the diverse personality intermix in an ordinary setting. For example throughout the series Jim Halpert, a sarcastic prankster, pranks Dwight Schrute, an eccentric salesman, for his entertainment in a professional workplace. This kind of interaction between a diverse set of characters gives the show its humor.
The show continues to use the interactions between the characters as entertainment but toward the end of the series, Aristotle's definition of a comedy becomes relevant. As the seasons continued the ordinary life at the office is mostly static, but to keep things interesting, minor problems occur, like the bankruptcy of the company to engage its audience. Towards the last few seasons their ordinary lives become some what more interesting as they find love, their dream career, and fulfillment in their lives. From this, Aristotle's definition of a comedy becomes true. From ordinary lives, the characters rise up to pursue their dreams and fulfillment, which in some sense we are all trying to acquire.
The office is a wacky tv show, that is worth the watch. Its humor derives through ordinary people with unordinary interactions and at the same time fulfills the definition of comedy that Aristotle describes. The characters come from somewhat of a low point as they continue their lives at a paper company until they find what they where looking for at the end of the series, making this series a true Aristotelian comedy.
The show continues to use the interactions between the characters as entertainment but toward the end of the series, Aristotle's definition of a comedy becomes relevant. As the seasons continued the ordinary life at the office is mostly static, but to keep things interesting, minor problems occur, like the bankruptcy of the company to engage its audience. Towards the last few seasons their ordinary lives become some what more interesting as they find love, their dream career, and fulfillment in their lives. From this, Aristotle's definition of a comedy becomes true. From ordinary lives, the characters rise up to pursue their dreams and fulfillment, which in some sense we are all trying to acquire.
The office is a wacky tv show, that is worth the watch. Its humor derives through ordinary people with unordinary interactions and at the same time fulfills the definition of comedy that Aristotle describes. The characters come from somewhat of a low point as they continue their lives at a paper company until they find what they where looking for at the end of the series, making this series a true Aristotelian comedy.
Friday, February 17, 2017
I Believe I Can Fly
The film Eddie the Eagle (2016) is a perfect example of a dramatic comedy by Aristotle's definition. Throughout the film, Eddie struggles to accomplish his dream of becoming an olympic athlete. Eddie is an average man who goes on an adventure to pursue his goal. He is pushed back by many people in his life, specifically his dad, who say that he is wasting time and will never be able to be successful. When he leaves his house, Eddie eventually ends up at a ski jumping place. When Eddie starts, he is really bad and is lucky to not die on his first few ski jumps. When he fails, an old olympian begins to train him and he progressively becomes a better athlete.
Aristotle's definition of a dramatic comedy is fulfilled in the end when Eddie reaches his dream and becomes an olympian. Eddie goes from being a terrible athlete with no assistance to an olympic ski jumper against all odds. With the definition of Aristotle's dramatic comedy, Eddie is the main character who works hard to have a rise in power and success. Throughout the movie, Eddie has no support until he gets to the Calgary olympic games. Against all odds Eddie reaches his lifelong goal and fulfills Aristotle's definition.
Eddie the Eagle is an excellent example of Aristotle's definition of a dramatic comedy. The main character Eddie makes an effort to become something from nothing, with motivation from his dreams. Against all odds, this story is a feel-good story that has an underlying Aristotelian comedy.
Ryan Gosling, Aristotle, and Russell Crowe
The Nice Guys directed by Shane Black, is an action comedy based in late 1960s LA. The plot revolves around a hit-man with a conscious who is portrayed by Russel Crowe. And a father, scam artist, and private detective, Ryan Gosling. The two of them have a similar case that a starts to get messy and they have to join forces to battle the Detroit Auto Company, mob, and a dead porn stars legacy. The two are a diatomic duo, who take pleasure in jabs and amusing remarks. Terribly ill prepared for their case they spend most of the film stumbling around in the dark looking for a light switch in order to understand the maze of questions and missing ends of their case. To our standards this film easily fits our definition of comedy, making us laugh and cheer on our heroes or sad detectives. But does it hold up to Aristotle views of how comedy should be portrayed. I would argue that yes it does. The film focuses on these two characters and how their lives improved in the face of adversity. The film also lends its hand to a social problem's and questions of individuality.
WORDS WORDS WORDS
Bo Burnham has a dark humor that many find funny but also that many find to be very offensive. Though he is very crude and attacks every group of people he can, he always does so with purpose. He is most well known for his work in his 2013 work, what., but he has much more material that has been released as audio. Bo Burnham's work does not fit the traditional definition of an Aristotelian comedy; it doesn't contain the rise and fall of a character and sometimes there is not a happy ending. His work is still comedy. It fulfills the definition of an Aristotelian comedy because he will usually have an important message at the end of each work he produces.
In his third full work, WORDS WORDS WORDS, Burnham plays on words to his advantage while still giving this meaningful message. In his song "What's Funny," Burnham mocks traditional stand up comics and, more specifically, the kinds of jokes that they make. His lyrics throughout WORDS WORDS WORDS are all funny but provide a much deeper meaning for society. Burnham acknowledges what stand up comedians usually talk about by making similar jokes to them, but then he asks the audience "what's funny?" This question brings the audience to question themselves and what they are laughing at exactly.
Similarly, in his work what., Bo Burnham has a song called "Sad" where he points out the comedic nature of tragedy. Throughout the song, he names several tragedies ranging from a blind man named Rich to the Holocaust itself. At the very end of the song, he says "tragedy will be exclusively joked about/because my empathy is bumming me out." Burnham acknowledges the nature of the laughing at horrific events, thus commenting on what society is likely to laugh at and wants the audience to realize the severity of the situation.
In all of his work, Bo Burnham is commenting on society and how flawed it truly is. While he never gives idea on how we can fix the problems at hand, he wants people to know what they are doing wrong even if they aren't always aware of it. His humor attacks the public in the best way possible.
In his third full work, WORDS WORDS WORDS, Burnham plays on words to his advantage while still giving this meaningful message. In his song "What's Funny," Burnham mocks traditional stand up comics and, more specifically, the kinds of jokes that they make. His lyrics throughout WORDS WORDS WORDS are all funny but provide a much deeper meaning for society. Burnham acknowledges what stand up comedians usually talk about by making similar jokes to them, but then he asks the audience "what's funny?" This question brings the audience to question themselves and what they are laughing at exactly.
Similarly, in his work what., Bo Burnham has a song called "Sad" where he points out the comedic nature of tragedy. Throughout the song, he names several tragedies ranging from a blind man named Rich to the Holocaust itself. At the very end of the song, he says "tragedy will be exclusively joked about/because my empathy is bumming me out." Burnham acknowledges the nature of the laughing at horrific events, thus commenting on what society is likely to laugh at and wants the audience to realize the severity of the situation.
In all of his work, Bo Burnham is commenting on society and how flawed it truly is. While he never gives idea on how we can fix the problems at hand, he wants people to know what they are doing wrong even if they aren't always aware of it. His humor attacks the public in the best way possible.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
How Greek is Roman Holiday?
When you hear someone say "romantic comedy", what do you think of? My mind immediately turns to Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck crashing through cafe tables and veering in front of buses on a runaway scooter.
1953's Roman Holiday follows Ann, the princess of an unnamed country, goes on a tour of large European cities. Frustrated with her busy, controlling schedule, she sneaks out of the embassy to experience Rome on her own. Under the influence of a sleeping drought, the princess, under the alias "Anya Smith", is taken in by an American reporter who takes her through Rome. The film, preserved in the US National Film Registry, is a regular on "Best Romantic Comedies of All Time" rankings. The film even calls itself an "immortal comedy-romance" on its promotional posters, but just how comedic (according to Aristotle) is Roman Holiday?
No one can deny the like-ability of Roman Holiday's heroine, Princess Ann, and, though she may be royalty, Ann longs for a freer, more ordinary life. Ann's "nobility", like Aristotle's comedic hero, is not derived from her blood, but from her charming personality, endearing quirks, and free spirit. In addition, despite her royal status, Ann's desire to escape, if only briefly, the pressures of her life is very ordinary. Ann does not face politics, death, serious betrayal, or other extraordinary problems. Her romance with Joe Bradley is, in less elegant terms, textbook dreamy, yet inaccessible due to Ann's royal obligations.
In a classic romantic comedy, Ann and Joe would find some way to overcome their barriers, reconcile, and marry. This plot point, however, is where Roman Holiday diverges from the classic definition of comedy. The film ends with Ann ultimately deciding to return to her royal responsibilities and bidding Joe farewell. Joe watches Ann's final interview, Ann secretly professes her love and admiration of Joe, and Joe is left alone, to wonder what might have been. The film's ending nearly disqualifies it from Aristotle's definition of comedy. However, Ann is still young, lively, and bright; abandoning her life in blind pursuit of love, while it may have been romantic, would not have been wise. Ann will, instead of providing the audience with the easy satisfaction of seeing true love prevail, carry her "Roman Holiday" as a fond memory, and retain some of the youthful abandon that carried her through her adventures. Things might seem more glum on Joe's end, but this is Ann's story, a story that launched Audrey Hepburn into fame because of its resonance.
The notion can seem bleak, but almost everyone has something they've given up on. Maybe not every dream meets Hughe's prevised fate. Roman Holiday manipulates the comedic form to deliver an important, albeit concealed message. The true comedy in Roman Holiday isn't Peck's "Mouth of Truth" gag, or Joe and Irving giving up the pictures of Ann, but in Ann's growth: learning to balance responsibility and freedom.
1953's Roman Holiday follows Ann, the princess of an unnamed country, goes on a tour of large European cities. Frustrated with her busy, controlling schedule, she sneaks out of the embassy to experience Rome on her own. Under the influence of a sleeping drought, the princess, under the alias "Anya Smith", is taken in by an American reporter who takes her through Rome. The film, preserved in the US National Film Registry, is a regular on "Best Romantic Comedies of All Time" rankings. The film even calls itself an "immortal comedy-romance" on its promotional posters, but just how comedic (according to Aristotle) is Roman Holiday?
No one can deny the like-ability of Roman Holiday's heroine, Princess Ann, and, though she may be royalty, Ann longs for a freer, more ordinary life. Ann's "nobility", like Aristotle's comedic hero, is not derived from her blood, but from her charming personality, endearing quirks, and free spirit. In addition, despite her royal status, Ann's desire to escape, if only briefly, the pressures of her life is very ordinary. Ann does not face politics, death, serious betrayal, or other extraordinary problems. Her romance with Joe Bradley is, in less elegant terms, textbook dreamy, yet inaccessible due to Ann's royal obligations.
In a classic romantic comedy, Ann and Joe would find some way to overcome their barriers, reconcile, and marry. This plot point, however, is where Roman Holiday diverges from the classic definition of comedy. The film ends with Ann ultimately deciding to return to her royal responsibilities and bidding Joe farewell. Joe watches Ann's final interview, Ann secretly professes her love and admiration of Joe, and Joe is left alone, to wonder what might have been. The film's ending nearly disqualifies it from Aristotle's definition of comedy. However, Ann is still young, lively, and bright; abandoning her life in blind pursuit of love, while it may have been romantic, would not have been wise. Ann will, instead of providing the audience with the easy satisfaction of seeing true love prevail, carry her "Roman Holiday" as a fond memory, and retain some of the youthful abandon that carried her through her adventures. Things might seem more glum on Joe's end, but this is Ann's story, a story that launched Audrey Hepburn into fame because of its resonance.
The notion can seem bleak, but almost everyone has something they've given up on. Maybe not every dream meets Hughe's prevised fate. Roman Holiday manipulates the comedic form to deliver an important, albeit concealed message. The true comedy in Roman Holiday isn't Peck's "Mouth of Truth" gag, or Joe and Irving giving up the pictures of Ann, but in Ann's growth: learning to balance responsibility and freedom.
Love Actually: Actually Pretty Meaningful
Love Actually is one of the most popular romantic comedies in America, especially with its holiday theme its hard not to love. Although it is a crowd pleaser, it makes you laugh, cry and even cringe, it also teaches its audience a great deal about the human experience and human nature itself.
As Love Actually shows its different characters and their stories of love, different aspects of human nature, both painful and happy, are revealed. One of the most powerful scenes for me is when Juliet discovers that Mark, her husband's best friend, is in love with her because all of his footage of her wedding is focused on her face only. This scene evokes painful sympathetic painful emotions in the audience for Mark. Although this may be a tough scene to watch, it shows the audience the uncomfortable truth about how love doesn't always end the way we had expected it to. Movies don't often depict this kind of one-sided love, so its inclusion in a romantic comedy like Love Actually is unique and powerful.
Another character form Love Actually also shows the less popular, painful side to love. Karen finds out that her husband, and the father to her two children has a much younger mistress. As Karen weeps to a Joni Mitchell album, the audience is again shown a painful side of the human experience. Not only does the movie again show us a form of one-sided love, but also the sorrow of heartbreak and the death of love.
Love Actually is a meaningful art form because it shows the audience the more uncomfortable and painful scenes to depict a more honest view of the true human experience. Although some characters to have happy and joyful moments, Love Actually also shows us heartbroken and hurt characters so as to honestly show us the truth about love.
As Love Actually shows its different characters and their stories of love, different aspects of human nature, both painful and happy, are revealed. One of the most powerful scenes for me is when Juliet discovers that Mark, her husband's best friend, is in love with her because all of his footage of her wedding is focused on her face only. This scene evokes painful sympathetic painful emotions in the audience for Mark. Although this may be a tough scene to watch, it shows the audience the uncomfortable truth about how love doesn't always end the way we had expected it to. Movies don't often depict this kind of one-sided love, so its inclusion in a romantic comedy like Love Actually is unique and powerful.
Another character form Love Actually also shows the less popular, painful side to love. Karen finds out that her husband, and the father to her two children has a much younger mistress. As Karen weeps to a Joni Mitchell album, the audience is again shown a painful side of the human experience. Not only does the movie again show us a form of one-sided love, but also the sorrow of heartbreak and the death of love.
Love Actually is a meaningful art form because it shows the audience the more uncomfortable and painful scenes to depict a more honest view of the true human experience. Although some characters to have happy and joyful moments, Love Actually also shows us heartbroken and hurt characters so as to honestly show us the truth about love.
The Greatest Comedies Reveal How Small We Really Are
I am no fan of Aristotle's. I vastly prefer Plato as a thinker and theorist in the Western world. But since we are here to discuss literature and not the widespread mental illness known as philosophy, I must recognize the impact Aristotle had in shaping the compositions and interpretations surrounding Western literary works.
For this post, I am supposed to either defend or dismiss the dramatic Comedy as Aristotle defines it. I believe that Dramatic Comedy can be a meaningful form of art just as a Tragedy is because our lives are simply not tragic. If art always depicted an Aristotelian Tragedy, then it would mostly invite pity parties and crocodile tears, nor would it deepen our insight about the world around us. In other words, art would be quite limited if it only depicted Tragedies. There are aspects of life that are above the notions of a Tragedy. If my story was about a man sitting alone in silence in a meadow while doing absolutely nothing except for staring at a blade of grass for a long time, then smile at the end, it would be a meaningful art form that is a not a Tragedy, but a Comedy. What I think is great about meaningful Comedies is that they can move us not through poignancy as Tragedies do, but through compelling us to look at the beauty around ourselves and simply be happy about it.
Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy is one of the most elegant works of Western literature, and it also happens to function as a Comedy. The entire poem is separated into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. At the very start, Dante is "lost" both literally and metaphorically, but he is rescued by the poet Virgil. In Inferno, Virgil guides Dante into the underworld, where people suffer in a form of poetic justice. In Purgatorio, Virgil guides Dante as they ascend the Mountain of Purgatory. In Paradiso, Dante is guided by Beatrice, a woman he deeply admired, through Heaven. In the last lines of the Divine Comedy, Dante meets face to face with the Trinity God. As he finally understands the mysteries of the universe, Dante's soul is aligned with the love of God in such a way that is so awe-inspiring he cannot express in words.Although the idea of Divine Comedy being a Comedy is disputable since it does not fit any of its sub-categories, it does fit Aristotle's requirements.
What frustrates me about current trends in literature is the heavy focus on humanity more than everything else. What I mean is that stories, conflicts, and thoughts have been largely humanitarian for the past two hundred to three hundred years, especially now since human rights are now a greater concern now than ever. Most Comedies, let alone all works of art, center around humans. Perhaps I am just being closed minded or "full of shit" as my aunties would jest, but I think that older works of literature are usually better because they tend to either focus on the world itself with humans sidelined or they integrate said material as powerful influences in human dramas. Mythologies from around the world are based on higher powers, spirituality, and the beauty of life itself. The older that a story is, the less likely it will portray humans on their own as the greatest points of interest whenever they are present. This is why I am picky towards most - but not all - contemporary works of art.
This is where a modern work such as the Divine Comedy steps in. Not only does it deepen our insight of the world, but the Divine Comedy attempts to delve into realms that are beyond our knowledge, comprehension, and material existence. It should not matter if we never come across such planes of existence exactly as Dante described them. So the poem in its entirety does not demand for its readers to be Christians, as pagan motifs are depicted throughout it. However, this is not to say that Dante thinks we as humans are insignificant, because all Renaissance thinkers emphasized the powers of men in their poetry. We tend to believe that everything revolves around ourselves, and yet it does not. We also tend to believe that we know many things about the world, and yet if science and religion have taught us anything, it is that we know next to nothing about the universe and our placement in it, and I think Dante wanted to get that point across to readers as long as his work remains. We see this theme prevalent throughout both Inferno and Paradiso. Ultimately, I see the Divine Comedy as the journey of the soul through something much larger than ourselves. This "something larger than ourselves" can be many things; in Dante's perspective, it is an entire universal order and our placement in this order. Just as how it was like with Dante at the end of his Comedy, we should feel delighted once we come face to face with something so vast, mysterious, beautiful, and divine.Other works that this can be compared to are The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Ramayana, though I chose not talk about those because they are much older than Aristotle, and therefore were not written to be Comedies. I would also include Shakespearean plays such as The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream to compare to Dante's grand poem, but I did find his Comedies (albeit only the ones I've read) to pale in comparison to his tragedies.
Aristotle Lives In Brooklyn
According to Aristotle´s definition of a comedy, having a good laugh is not the end goal. Instead, a comedy must simply portray the rise of a sympathetic character, typically of an ordinary person. Although the 2015 film, Brooklyn, elicited quite a few laughs from me, in its essence, it is an Aristotelian comedy. More specifically, it has all the characteristics of a romantic comedy. Although I am often embarrassed to admit that I find romantic comedies enjoyable, fearing the stereotype of a typical teenage girl, I can proudly declare that Brooklyn is one of my favorite movies.
The movie follows Eilis and her immigration to America, specifically to Brooklyn, from a tiny town in Ireland during the 1950s. Although after watching the whole movie, it is clear to see that it is a comedy, in the first several minutes, I was convinced everybody was going to die. I did not really know what the movie was about, and the somber music that soared while the camera panned over a quiet Irish town screamed tragedy to me. However, I could not have been more wrong. Eilis is sponsored by an Irish priest in Brooklyn, who sets her up with a job and a home. After Eilis settles into her new life, the movie falls into the traditional plot of a romantic comedy. Eilis meets Tony, an Italian plumber, and form an instant connection that translates into what appears to be a genuine romance on screen. However, the movie reveals itself as a vessel for enhancing our understanding of the world when tragedy changes the tone of the film.
As it turns out, I was not completely wrong when I assumed there would be death in the movie. Eilis´s sister suddenly dies and she goes back to Ireland, leaving Tony, now her new husband, behind in Brooklyn. Now, this may seem like a traditional rom-com roadblock, but the way Eilis handles herself in reveals the adaptability human spirit and what it means to have two homes. When she arrives in Ireland, she is overcome with guilt and recognizes that her mother needs her to stay, so she cuts ties with Tony. It seems like the movie will end with her staying in Ireland, and I have a very distinct memory of giving my sister my phone so I would not look up the end. In my opinion, this does not make her less of a sympathetic character, in fact it transforms what would have been a very good romantic comedy into a movie that works on many levels. In many romantic comedies, the end goal is clear: get the guy, get the girl, get the job etc. In Brooklyn, however, Eilis faces innumerable gray areas and she often stumbles.
Although (spoiler) Eilis does go back to America, the movie does not end with her meeting Tony again. Instead, it ends with her on a boat, the same way the movie began. Reducing the emphasis on the romantic aspect of this romantic-comedy and focusing on the rise of a sympathetic character is what truly elevates it to a level of comedy that makes you see the world differently, at least for two hours.
There Is No Lesson To BEE Taken From A Comedy
Can you really find meaning in every comedy? Is there really a comedy that is not created just for the sake of entertainment? Can a bee teach some sort of life lesson? The answer is..of course not!
"The Bee Movie" is a DreamWorks Animation movie that came out in 2007. The movie is about Barry B. Benson, a college graduate, who has come to a point in his life where he has to choose the career that he will be taking on for the rest of his life. Although every other bee is able to choose a spot in the workforce of the bee hive, Barry struggles to accept his fate of a monotonous life and decides to take the courageous leap into the Pollen Jocks workforce (bees who fly into the world outside to collect pollen). Ultimately Barry thinks that he found some bigger purpose for his life, a very false assumption.
Now according to Aristotle's definition of a comedy, "The Bee Movie" follows the guidelines of a comedy (Barry being the sympathetic character who rises to a better position). However, for one to think that this animated movie about a bee has a larger meaning, that person would have to be completely crazy. There is no message to take, no greater human truth, no moral lesson to be taken from this movie. One might possibly be able to suggest that the movie insults businessmen and businesswomen who work a repetitive, and boring 9 to 5 job, but there is not much to take from that. No matter how hard one tries to search for the true meaning Barry's story, they will not find one or they will not find one that is worth the dreadful 91 minutes it takes for the movie to end.
Is comedy more meaningful than tragedy? Well, if we take a look at "The Bee Movie" the answer is clear as day. NO! This animated film was created simply to entertain those who have a lot of time to waste on a movie. It was created to place money in someone's pocket, whoever that may be.
"The Bee Movie" is a DreamWorks Animation movie that came out in 2007. The movie is about Barry B. Benson, a college graduate, who has come to a point in his life where he has to choose the career that he will be taking on for the rest of his life. Although every other bee is able to choose a spot in the workforce of the bee hive, Barry struggles to accept his fate of a monotonous life and decides to take the courageous leap into the Pollen Jocks workforce (bees who fly into the world outside to collect pollen). Ultimately Barry thinks that he found some bigger purpose for his life, a very false assumption.
Now according to Aristotle's definition of a comedy, "The Bee Movie" follows the guidelines of a comedy (Barry being the sympathetic character who rises to a better position). However, for one to think that this animated movie about a bee has a larger meaning, that person would have to be completely crazy. There is no message to take, no greater human truth, no moral lesson to be taken from this movie. One might possibly be able to suggest that the movie insults businessmen and businesswomen who work a repetitive, and boring 9 to 5 job, but there is not much to take from that. No matter how hard one tries to search for the true meaning Barry's story, they will not find one or they will not find one that is worth the dreadful 91 minutes it takes for the movie to end.
Is comedy more meaningful than tragedy? Well, if we take a look at "The Bee Movie" the answer is clear as day. NO! This animated film was created simply to entertain those who have a lot of time to waste on a movie. It was created to place money in someone's pocket, whoever that may be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)