When beginning the process of trying to pick a movie
that will aid in the definition of comedy that we have began to develop through
the plays and articles that we have read, one observation seemed to stand
out. That observation was that many of
the comedies that we have read is making fun of the characters themselves. In this was many of them are based on
satire. Rather it is a comedy criticizing
the justice system as in “The Beaver Coat” or women’s roles as in “Lysistrata”,
it is a common theme throughout. This
observation is what led me to suggest the film “Borat” to watch as a class.
I
just recently watched “Borat” and almost felt guilty for giggling at some of
the incredibly offensive things that it said.
I can imagine that the audience of many of the plays that we have read
may have said the same thing. In “Lysistrata”,
it was humorous to think that women tried to end the war by withholding sex,
yet I am a female, and it is almost degrading to think that that is how society
viewed women’s power.
“Borat”
holds many of the same satirical elements.
The same element that is so offensive is the element that creates its
appeal. “Borat” criticizes our entire
way of living, but does so by making us laugh.
An international man travels around the country, but the people he
interacts with do not know exactly what type of movie is being created. Using this technique, the main character,
Borat, gets people to admit to bigotry towards homosexuals and demeaning views
of women. He pretends to have the same
views and says outrageously offensive comments that provide the comedy, but
reveals exactly what is wrong with America (some would say). We are laughing as how women are only good
for sex due to the ridiculous presentation, but it is common people who are
admitting to this. If the same idea was
portrayed in a documentary, people would highly reject it. Although, this does happen to an extent to
the movie “Borat”, it provides many with giggles that the documentary would
not.
There
are many other examples in the movie that would both make your cringe and
laugh. The plays that we have read so
far probably caused the same reaction in the audience. Although, the social topics differ (mainly
due to differences in society culture/ morals) the effect is the same.
I think the offensive and satirical nature of this film would definitely contribute to our class discussions... assuming the class can stomach it, that is! This movie is one of those that really leaves you at a loss for words at times (anybody seen Brüno?). I particularly like the statement at the end where you relate the relative extremity of the audience's reaction to the plays of their time to the reaction of the modern audience to something like Borat. Finding things to laugh at in this film wouldn't be hard by any means.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this movie. Yes, I agree there are many offensive scenes. I laugh at it because I can handle it. I thought on what "thedayofdays" said: "I particularly like the statement at the end where you relate the relative extremity of the audience's reaction to the plays of their time to the reaction of the modern audience to something like Borat." It got me wondering on the tolerance level of other people for what they think is laughable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, people don't think about it. I know I don't think about my own tolerance level unless I'm being analyzed or questioned. I do find other people's tolerance level of comedy interesting and useful though. It helps me know how restricted I should be in behaving around them and lets me know which jokes I can make.
This would be a good tool to explore Bergson's sense of laughter, to be sure. The plot is a little thin, but that could be an area for us to critique.
ReplyDelete