When Funny or Die dug to the heart of side-splitting funny flicks such as Dumb and Dumber and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. they found that there was a lingering dramatic story line present beneath the jokes.
The website featured 12 reworkings of classic comedy movies turned dramatic thrillers, digging up the deep (and sometimes twisted) plot lines that lie beneath the basic comedic elements of the film.
Back to the Future, for example, can be read as either a humorous take on what it would be like to time travel in a DeLorean or as the tale of a young boy who forges a deep bond with an elderly man which inadvertently causes him to have an unsavory relationship with his mother. Office Space may seem like a story about a bunch of unhappy office workers trying to make the most of life, but really, it documents a conspiracy to burn down the office and rob their employer blind.
This Funny or Die feature seriously changes perceptions on what comedic writers are really thinking when they pen a funny film.
Film Genre Alterations
Funny or Die Reworks Classic Comedies into Serious Dramas
Trend Themes
1. Comedy-to-drama Reworks - Exploring the deeper dramatic elements in classic comedy movies presents new opportunities for storytelling and audience engagement.
2. Uncovering Hidden Plot Lines - Revealing the underlying, sometimes twisted storylines in comedies provides a fresh perspective and opens the door for reinterpretation.
3. Shifting Genre Perceptions - Challenging traditional genre expectations by altering comedies into serious dramas disrupts audience assumptions and creates unique viewing experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Film and Entertainment - The film industry can leverage comedy-to-drama reworks to revitalize classic movies, attract new audiences, and generate fresh marketing opportunities.
2. Screenwriting and Creative Writing - Screenwriters and writers in general can explore the hidden depths of comedic stories, unlocking untapped potential for storytelling and character development.
3. Content Platforms and Streaming Services - Content platforms and streaming services can feature comedy-to-drama reworks to differentiate their offerings, engage viewers with thought-provoking content, and drive subscriber growth.