Mean Girls is one of the most well-known comedies of our generation. In many ways, it combines Aristotelian comedic elements with the more satirical style of humor that is popular today. This creates a movie that contains insightful social commentary but is not too bleak for light enjoyment. To me, Mean Girls is a perfect example of how a dramatic comedy can be meaningful.
Mean Girls embodies the traditional Artistotelian comedy in many ways. It focuses on the problems of "ordinary people" - teenagers at a random high school. The protagonist, Cady, is a sympathetic character who experiences a rise in fortune, since the Plastics break up and she ends up with the guy she likes.
While the Arisotelian elements make the movie more light to watch, the more modern, satirical elements of the movie are why the movie is so loved. The movie satirizes both the way girls can act towards each other and female competition over men. In doing so, it criticizes a social order rather than upholding it in the way an Aristotelian comedy would. In fact, the most traditional aspect of the movie, the romance between Cady and Aaron, is the least interesting part of the story. The movie is much more remembered for what it has to say about social norms.
The combination of traditional and modern comedy helps make Mean Girls both funny and meaningful. While a purely Aristotelian comedy with no elements of modern comedy may not be effective for a modern audience, using elements of an Aristotelian comedy can help enhance a story.
When I watched this movie, I thought it was interesting how the relationship between Cady and Aaron was not a big part of the story, since romance is typically the star in movies. I think that it is powerful that the director chose to focus more on the social norms. I agree with you that the combination of a traditional and modern comedy makes this movie more effective.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting that you point out how the social norms and the criticism or satire that is used to portray them is the most important part of this movie. As I think about it, that is definitely what I took away. That's probably the best message you can get out of such a wild story. I do agree that this message supports the movie as a comedy. Without that message this movie would be pretty bland. That goes to show that a few of Aristotle's ideas certainly make a piece a art better sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your points about how the message of the movie is enhanced by its comedic elements. I feel like this is especially relevant to class discussions because both Mean Girls and Pride and Prejudice are comedies of manners.
ReplyDeleteIn hindsight my memories of the movie are the different social norms that exist at the school, and how those who exist act with each other. I had actually completely forgotten about the romantic part of the movie and I have seen this movie a couple of times! I completely agree it does a great job of commenting on the social norms and that is what makes the movie so endearing, and why people go back and watch it even today.
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