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Black Comedy Movies:The Lobster, The Bruges...
The things that make us laugh the most are often far from comedy or lightness. However, we still find ourselves laughing, perhaps because of the absurdity of the idea, the difficulty of the situation, or because laughter, instead of tears, is the only weapon we have to face pain and tension. It is the easiest way for us to maintain our composure in the face of the problems that life throws at us.
This same concept is embraced by filmmakers of "black comedy" who know how to find humor in the darkness of stories and tales. They skillfully weave drama and inspirational ideas between multiple layers of complex jokes, making this type of film not necessarily suitable for everyone, but it has its own loyal audience who appreciate, preach and seek it all the time.
Looking back at the last decade, we can see how difficult and dark life has been. From wars to terrorism, from an epidemic to a financial crisis that affected the entire world economy, the reality of these events has produced a vast number of "black comedy" films.
ย Here are a some of the most famous ones :
The Lobster
Yorgos Lanthimos: Master of Dark Comedy and Imaginative Worlds:
Yorgos Lanthimos, a Greek author and director, is a professional writer who strikes a chord all the time. At first glance, his works seem completely far from our reality, but with some scrutiny, we can recognize ourselves between the lines of his tales. Within the corridors of his strange fantasy worlds full of exceptional imagination and closer to legends, we witness a special kind of comedy - very black. However, we hope that we will never be one of its heroes.
One of his notable works is The Lobster, which was released in 2015 and starred Colin Farrell, Rachel Wise, and Olivia Colman. The film takes place in a distant world, where residents are forced to live in dualities. If anyone dies or is separated from their partner, they must stay in a resort with the intention of finding another partner who shares a clear common factor, no matter how superficial it seems. Otherwise, they will die if 45 days elapse without a partner.
This pushes many to defraud and impersonate qualities and behaviors to find a partner. However, the lucky ones who succeed in escaping do not go far away but into the arms of nature. Another group in the world rejects love altogether and imposes a punishment no less severe than death on those who find it.
The hero in the story finds himself easy prey between the jaws of two equally extreme worlds. He must revolt against one of them and belong to the other or die. What would your situation be if you did not find love in the first world and found it in the other? This is the problem that the hero must confront.
The Lobster is a unique and thought-provoking film that challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding love and relationships. Lanthimos' imaginative world-building and dark humor create a surreal and unsettling atmosphere that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
This is not the only work of Lanthimos that explores unusual themes and settings. His filmography includes Dogtooth, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and The Favourite, all of which showcase his signature style of dark humor and unconventional storytelling.
Lanthimos' films are not for everyone, as they often deal with disturbing and uncomfortable subject matter. However, for those willing to delve into his strange and imaginative worlds, they are rewarded with a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
In conclusion, Yorgos Lanthimos is a master of dark comedy and imaginative worlds. His films challenge societal norms and expectations, creating surreal and unsettling atmospheres that stay with the viewer long after the film is over. The Lobster is just one example of his unique style, and we can only hope that he continues to push boundaries and create thought-provoking works of art in the future.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggsย
A Western Film Masterpiece:
Netflix's original film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has received a second nomination after being ranked by the National Film Review Board in the top 10 films of 2018. This American Western film, filled with drama, music, and comedy, is written and directed by the "Queen brothers," who have demonstrated their expertise in this genre throughout their careers, including films such as "Fargo," "Burn After Reading," and "A Serious Man."
The film features a star-studded cast, including Tim Blake Nelson, William Neeson, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, and others, and comprises six different stories. Each story follows a hero as they pursue their dreams and naive perceptions of their future. However, life soon surprises them with a double dose of bad luck and irony, destroying everything they have built or wished for in one fell swoop, relentlessly.
Overall, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a masterpiece that highlights the skillful storytelling and artistic talents of the Queen brothers and their exceptional cast.
The film's title character, Buster Scruggs, played by Tim Blake Nelson, is a singing cowboy who performs his songs while simultaneously dispensing justice with his six-shooter. Scruggs' story sets the tone for the rest of the film, which alternates between hilarious, heart-wrenching, and shocking scenes.
The other five stories follow different characters and themes, including a bank robber who meets his demise, a young woman on a wagon train, a prospector digging for gold, an actor in a traveling show, and a group of people traveling in a stagecoach. Each story has its unique style, but they are all united by the film's overarching themes of mortality, greed, and the unexpected twists of life.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, cinematography, and outstanding performances. The film's success further cemented Netflix's position as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, particularly in the realm of original content.
In conclusion, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a must-watch for fans of Westerns and those looking for a unique and thought-provoking film experience. Its combination of humor, tragedy, and commentary on the human condition makes it a standout film that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
The Bruges
Martin McDonagh - Master of Dark Comedy:
Martin McDonagh, an Irish director and screenwriter, has won numerous awards, including the Oscar, British BAFTA, and Golden Globes. His work is characterized by a simple philosophy that he blends with a unique mixture of tragedy and comedy. Through this approach, McDonagh explores the human condition, exposing its flaws and weaknesses, without completely demonizing his characters. Rather, he presents them as complex individuals with a touch of "psychopathy" in their personalities.
McDonagh is a master of dark comedy, which dominates most of his work. His most famous films in this genre include In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths.
In Bruges follows the story of two hitmen, one of whom has failed his last mission. Their leader assigns the other to kill him, but before doing so, he takes him on a trip to the picturesque Belgian town of Bruges to enjoy his last days. The events that follow are both comedic and unexpected, making for a compelling and entertaining film.
Overall, Martin McDonagh's work is a testament to his skillful storytelling and his ability to navigate the fine line between humor and tragedy. In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths are just two examples of his exceptional work, and his contribution to the world of cinema is undoubtedly significant.
McDonagh's ability to blend comedy and tragedy is on full display in In Bruges, as the film features both hilarious and heart-wrenching moments. The film's dark humor provides a unique lens through which to examine the moral dilemmas faced by the main characters.
In addition to his talent for storytelling, McDonagh is known for his excellent cast choices. In Bruges features Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes, all of whom deliver outstanding performances.
The film's success has earned McDonagh a reputation as a filmmaker who is unafraid to tackle complex and controversial themes, while also bringing levity and humor to his work. McDonagh's unique approach to storytelling has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In conclusion, Martin McDonagh is a master of dark comedy, and In Bruges is a prime example of his exceptional talent. His ability to blend humor and tragedy, while exploring complex moral dilemmas, has earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting filmmakers working today.
The Wild Tales
A Must-Watch Argentine Film:
According to critics in 2014, Wild Tales can be considered one of the most important Argentine films, and it deserves a place on our list. The film features six different stories, all revolving around the theme of anger.
Each story follows a protagonist who finds themselves in a situation that triggers their rage, leading to unexpected reactions. For instance, there's a young man who decides to take revenge on everyone who ever hurt him by gathering them in a plane that he flies himself. In another story, a bride discovers her groom's infidelity during the wedding ceremony. There's also a girl who works as a waitress in a restaurant frequented by the man who ruined her life. Each story is distinctive and unique, leaving the viewer to question what they would do if they were in the shoes of these enraged characters.
The film explores the depths of human emotion, showing how a moment of intense anger can lead people down a path of destruction. Each story is gripping and thought-provoking, making Wild Tales a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Apart from the outstanding storytelling, the film's cinematography and soundtrack are also noteworthy. The visuals and sound design create a tense and immersive atmosphere that draws the viewer into the story.
Overall, Wild Tales is a powerful film that offers a glimpse into the human psyche. The unique storytelling, captivating visuals, and immersive sound design make it a cinematic masterpiece that's not to be missed.
