Kaitlin Lead Blog Response

I have been watching Elf every Christmas Eve with my family since I was a child. It’s one of those movies that is perfect for all families due to the plot that enhances the Christmas spirit and the comedy that Will Ferrel employs. I agree on what Kaitlin highlighted to be the main incongruity factor in the film. Buddy couldn't stick out like a sore thumb anymore with his bright green elf costume. Even being surrounded by people his size in New York City, it wouldn’t be difficult to spot him from a mile away. What makes Buddy’s elf-like characteristics more hilarious is he is the only one oblivious to the fact that he doesn’t fit in with his surroundings. The scene where Buddy is automatically assumed of being a toy shop employee because of his outfit never ceases to make me and my family laugh, even after watching the movie over 10 times. I am also glad that Kaitlin pointed out how the benign violation theory comes into play. With Elf being rated PG I never thought that it could contain enough crude material for the theory to work. However, the scene Kaitlin mentioned where Buddy starts chugging a two-liter bottle of soda (he finishes it) and pours syrup in his spaghetti correctly displays both benign and violating actions. Buddy trespasses on the properness that a typical family dinner usually entails. At the same time, Buddy’s family isn’t ever negatively affected by his decisions, but maybe a little disgusted. After watching this scene over again on YouTube, I have come to realize that it may even be my favorite display of the benign violation theory because it is hysterical while still being suitable for all ages. Overall, Kaitlin's analysis of Elf was spot on, and I am glad that I was also able to blog about one of the Christmas tales of all time.

Comments

  1. Shane HerronOctober 19, 2018 at 10:07 AM

    It's interesting that you suggest that benign violation might apply primarily to safe forms of comedy. Do you think that it doesn't apply then to stuff that is truly over the top?

    ReplyDelete

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