Movies have been a central part of American life. The movies here represent the best in American movie comedies. They include characters, themes, scenes and lines that we remember. Each makes a point while amusing us and sometimes causing us to laugh out loud.
Our discussions will combine citing the humor in each movie, how it was achieved and how it reflects the culture and issues in American life when the movie was made. For example: What does the movie satirize? How does it do that? Is it successful? Do we identify with any of the characters? Why have the funny scenes become part of our culture, when we have forgotten earnest speeches and essays on the same subject? There will also be readings and discussion of the history and techniques of comedy.
The list of movies shows two for each week (except for Some Like It Hot). The presenters and the group will decide whether to concentrate on one or both of them. Our discussions will also include a comparison of the humor, themes and effectiveness of the two movies. The themes shown in the list are to stimulate discussion.
1. Some Like It Hot Billy Wilder Opus
2. Adam’s Rib 9-5 Women in the working world
3. MASH Semi Tough Are men really tough guys?
4. Bowfinger Get Shorty How crazy is the movie business?
5. Dr. Strangelove To Be Or Not To Be Is war too crazy to be serious?
6. Ferris Buehler’s Day Off Meatballs Has childhood changed?
7. He’s Just Not That Into You Love Actually What is love, after all?
8. When Harry Met Sally Annie Hall What is love, after all?
9. Victor/Victoria ` The Birdcage Is this comedy now acceptable?
10. As Good As It Gets The Big Lebowski Can we deal with odd people?
11. Tootsie Mrs. Doubtfire Are men better as women?
12. Heartbreak Kid Goodbye Girl Is heartbreak good?
13. Groundhog Day Roman Holiday The grumpy & the charming
14. My Cousin Vinny Tin Men Navigating modern society
Geoff King, Film Comedy”
Chritopher Lamont, “Great Comedy Films Or: How I Learned to
Stop Worrying and Love Funny Movies”
Saul Austerlitz, “Another Fine Mess: A History of American Film
Comedy”
Wes Gehring, “Kinds of American Film Comedy: Six Genres and
Their Literary Roots”