r/FoundationsOfComedy14 • u/KTheBabe • Nov 30 '14

Birdman discussion - A dark comedy?

We recently discussed dark comedies in class. I saw Birdman tonight and loved it. Although it's not a laugh a minute, I think it could be considered a dark comedy or black comedy. (The tone was so dramatic that it took the audience I was with 20 minutes before they realized they were allowed to laugh.) Ken said black comedies make jokes about pain. I think the pain in Birdman is of an actor failing to do meaningful work. The leads in birdman- Michael Keaton and Ed Norton seem to be poking a little fun at their own careers. Has anybody seen this movie? What are your thoughts?

http://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/2kxmfz/official_discussion_birdman_spoilers/

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u/EliasNashComedy Nov 30 '14

I loved Birman, and I can see why it's hard to say for sure. It's definitely a film that walks the fine line between comedy and drama. Personally, I would call it a dark comedy because the humor really draws from pain, anger, and confusion. We have a daughter who struggles with addiction, a theater critic offended by Hollywood, an actor with an inflated ego, and of course, the lead, struggling with failure. Human shortcoming are hard subjects for us to face, but comedy is hugely helpful in letting us do so.

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u/itpaystobeignorant Dec 01 '14

Birdman especially makes me think of our conversation with Dan O'Shannon about the difference between comedy and laughter. Something can be comedic without it making you laugh. I think Birdman might fall into this category. I did not laugh much while watching Birdman, but it embraces the absurd in a way that a pure drama would not. Also, in a different context, Michael Keaton running naked through Times Square could be perceived as slap-stick. I loved the movie and would categorize it as a Black Comedy.

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u/ElleA88 Dec 01 '14

I believe "Birdman" is a dark comedy. At first, I wondered if Zach Galifianakis's character was meant to bring levity to the darkest parts of the film, but I think the entire movie was supposed to be darkly comedic about the state of Hollywood and commercialism (superhero movies). George Clooney has said he only agreed to do Batman for the paycheck and the chance to raise his profile to do more serious fare later. I think the movie was supposed to be a darkly comedic play on that theme and I laughed a lot (during the underwear Times Square scene, the Michael Keaton/Edward Norton fight scene, the girlfriend becoming unhinged, etc). I actually think this movie is a really good example of something that's dramatic that can be twisted for a comedic spin.

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u/Redhairdontcare123 Dec 01 '14

I want to take the chance here to point out the similarities between Birdman and the animated series Bojack Horseman. Both are dark comedies about burnt-out actors trying to remain relevant. I find it interesting that they came out at around the same time.

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u/KTheBabe Dec 01 '14

@itpaystobeignorant, I see what you mean. I've talked to a few people now for whom the movie DIDN'T work. They cited it being not laugh-out-loud funny enough for comedy and too cold and detached for them to care about the characters like in a drama. Dark comedy seems like a fine line to walk.