Mel Brook's humor has always stood out for its ability to engage with the world by revealing its ugly side. His jokes have famously turned the negative aspects of society upside down to satirically disarm them by exposing their faults and hypocrisy. Films like The Producers and Blazing Saddles are prime examples since they cover sensitive topics like prejudice and racism in a well-received way. Aside from this, however, Brook's comedy also has a penchant for the crass and risqué, which is common among some directors, and Young Frankenstein is no different. The film transforms slapstick antics like kneeing someone in the genitals into an intellectual exercise on the inner workings of the human brain while also using sexual innuendos and wordplay to explore a discourse focused on the nuances of relationships between men and women, regardless of whether they're organic or manufactured beings. As a result, bits like "Rolling Around in the Hay" and "The Mysteries of Life" are memorable and remain relevant today. However, the "Frau Blücher" bit has never been given the same regard.
In many ways, the funny exchanges between Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and Frau Blücher (Cloris Leachman), while comical and unforgettable in their own right, can be viewed as a throwaway bit compared to the others. This is because it doesn't stand out as much among all the other hilarious scenes within the film. After all, juxtaposed against the "Sedagive" routine, Wilder's shrieking "Quiet Dignity" or the "Abby Normal" scene, a little bit of thunder and a horse neighing after hearing the housekeeper's name doesn't have the same comedic impact. However, considering who Frau Blücher is concerning the family, the character's famous scene, including her offering the good doctor a refreshment before bed, might be Young Frankenstein's most underrated and subtlest joke. One that contains a bit of unnoticed raunchiness that highlights Mel Brook's timeless comedic genius -- even almost 50 years later.
No comments:
Post a Comment