Black Comedy in Film
A black comedy is a comic work that makes light of serious, disturbing, or taboo subject matter." Black comedy was earlier called "gallows humor." This type of comedy is often controversial because of its subject matter.
A Satire. . .
is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices especially in the areas of politics and topical issues.
Dark Comedy film comments on society's hang-ups and phobias; these are often social and political commentaries. The comments could be in the form of a play, a novel, literature, or film.
Dark Comedy film comments on society's hang-ups and phobias; these are often social and political commentaries. The comments could be in the form of a play, a novel, literature, or film.
Dr. Strangelove
Stanley Kubrick's 1964 "Dr. Strangelove" is one of the best-known mainstream examples of dark comedy. The subject of the film is the cold war or nuclear war and the possibility of annihilation of life on Earth. This very serious subject is made into a comedy. Peter Sellers is a mild-mannered US president, Merkin M Muffley, and the creepy ex-Nazi scientist, Dr. Strangelove. He plays three different characters! (The Doctor, The President, and Private Muffley)
"Dr. Strangelove"
This is the End
"This is the End" (2013) takes a dark comedy approach to the period of time after the annihilation of humanity. The film follows a group of actors (all playing versions of themselves) as they encounter demons, monsters, and psychotic cannibals after the "rapture" talked about in the bible. This movie was a success commercially and with critics.
FARGO
"Fargo" is a 1996 dark comedy that takes place in the snow country. Frances McDermott plays a pregnant police chief whose has to take care of a murder. In real life, she is married to one of the Cohen brothers who wrote and directed the movie.
The Cohen brothers are well known for their awesome dark comedy films. I have seen most of them including, "O' Brother Where Art Thou" starring George Cloony and John Torturro. One of my favorites! A story of three escaped convicts and their encounters on their escape trail. Filled with twists and turns, there is never a dull moment! Great blue grass music too!
"Bad Santa"
is a 2003 film about a drunken, foul-mouthed professional thief who doubles as a department store Santa. Billy Bob Thornton stars in this movie. A great movie with a sequel coming out this coming out this year. After all these years, Bad Santa II with Billy Bob Thornton returning as Bad Santa!
War of the Roses
"War of the Roses" is a 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Cathleen Turner. It is about a married couple who are rich and hate each other. It funny and quite brutal the way they fight! You will find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering who is going to win the fight!
Birdman
"Birdman" is a 2014 character driven film by Alejandro G. Inarritu. Michael Keaton plays an actor who can't get over the influence of his superhero role and wants to regain his acting reputation as a serious actor. This movie captures the egotistical nature of Hollywood actors; how they will go to any lengths to make things appear real. This was a critically acclaimed film and won the Academy Ward for "Best Picture."
The Cable Guy
"HELLO! The cable guy is here" - Remember this one? "The Cable Guy" (1996) was directed by Ben Stiller and starred Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey is the maladjusted, lonely cable man who torments Matthew Broderick. This is a satire on TV and cable and gives an example of someone who was raised by the TV. Jim Carry is the psychotic, obsessive product of our society. I really like this movie! But it might be too frightening for some people. Carrey pushes the envelope with this character! So think about it before you share it - lol!
The critics did not like this new character Carrey was playing and criticized the film heavily. Despite this, it was a huge box office success! Grossing $102 million worldwide.
Heathers
This is an American Black comedy (released March 31, 1989) written by Daniel Waters and directed by Michael Zehman. It stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Sharon Doherty. The film portrays four teenage girls - three of whom are named "Heather" who are all in a clique at an Ohio High School. It is a social commentary about high school. This cult film has received many awards even though it was not a box office hit. In 2017 work has begun on a new television production of "Heathers."
TRAINSPOTTING
This movie is about heroin addiction in Scotland. July 14, 2016 was the 20th anniversary for this film. Ewan McGregor became famous after this movie. There is now a "Trainspotting II." The same actors came together for this film after 20 years! Be sure and add these to your movie watching list!
