john_johnson

Napoleon Dynamite is unique. Not only is it shot in a different style to other movies, but the humour is on its own. In fact, it is a perhaps a new genre of comedy. Its main strength is that it goes into avenues which have yet to be touched in the movie industry. Unlike most comedies which rely on gross schoolboy jokes, this movie has a many great delicacies which are intricately timed, and most importantly, rely on the strict observation of the viewer.

Revolving around some very strange and unique characters, the film is about the rise to acceptance of a geek in Idaho. However, it is not as primitive as the subject matter suggests. It is very subtly done. So subtle in fact, that most comedy fans will not even understand what is meant to be funny. There are so many nuances. Most are to do with homing in on the eccentricities of the characters.

I highly recommend it to those who want a different comedy.

Why is it that someone would want to make a group associated with irregular economic inactivity, abnormally high levels of illegitimate births, crime, and poor health, subjects(and hero's) of a comedy show? There is nothing amusing about teenage delinquents stealing televisions, pensioners evading tax, and children being insolent towards adults. So why must this garbage persist?

Comedy often targets the most extreme members of society and exaggerates them. However, in this case, we have seen it all before. Time and time again we see the same jokes. It is a shame that Scottish comedy is polarised towards the most disgusting, foul mouthed,law-breaking members of our society.

Why do the writers have such a fascination about these societal members in particular? Indeed we should still be making satirical humour about these individuals, but we should focus more roundly on the other classes. In addition, we should not applaud the acts(which would have once been sneered upon), we should deplore them and perhaps re-enact some of them, in a comedic style. I believe that it can be done, and without much of the focus being on foul language, tiresome sexual innuendos, lewd behaviour, and criminal activity.

It is evident that there is very little intellectual energy in the Scottish comedy scene. It has in fact, been virtually a monopoly for the last 7 years, in the hands of Karen Dunbar, Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill. How long must we bear this? How long must we be expected to accept this as the pinnacle of current Scottish humour? Until all is drained from these disgusting minds, we will have little to watch but deplorable, unintelligent drivel. Scottish comedy is really in a sorry state.

Scottish sketch comedy has never made it to the worldwide market. However, we have had many talented comedians such as Billy Connolly, Rikki Fulton, Francie and Josie and The Krankies. Nowadays the only Scottish comedy series left is "Chewin the Fat" which consists of a series of vulgar gags primarily based on modern Glasweigan slum culture.

Unfortunately, instead of laughing at the eccentricities of the'neds' and 'slags' who inhabit the graffiti-decorated tenements of Castlemilk and Easterhouse, the producers have decided to join the neds and to laugh with them. After all, its just 'good banter' isn't it?

I have noticed that the show has covered almost every possible kind of underclass vulgarity and criminal behaviour. It is reverse snobbery. If someone says a 'posh' word, then they are laughed at - this is part of the 'Chewin the Fat' routine.

The upper class stereotypes from Edinburgh are supposedly 'amusing' because they take interest in the 'Glasgow banter' - which consists of incomprehensible and vulgar dialogue, crime and deviance, and unmannerly and undignified eccentric behaviour. And the countrymen, who just because they endorse Scotlands cultural heritage(or what is left of it)they are the subject to pranks from juvenile delinquents. Finally, an 'old-fashioned' teacher (because she has a rural accent, and is fairly strict - something that is unusual nowadays) is mocked and overpowered by her class of irresponsible and disrespectful children. Why should we find the detritus who spoil much of our country funny? Is this comedy? For what reason is this the most popular comedy series in Scotland? Perhaps because it is the only comedy series.

In sum, Chewin the Fat is a Glasweigan self-indulgent, crude and unintelligent disaster of a television programme. If you happen to be from Glasgow, and be a member of the underclass, you may indeed enjoy this series, because it is made by filthy minds, to cater for filthy minds all over Scotland. Scotland must grow up mentally, our culture is dwindling down the toilet pan. May intelligence be our saviour.