Cunningham Muffins Commercial
 

This has been out for awhile, but it was new to me. I love it.

P.S.
I want to marry Liam Sullivan.

That's terribly amusing. I wasn't familiar with him before but I'm definitely going to check him out.

He's the same guy who did Shoes.
:D

I'm... speechless.

Iranian Palestinian conflict muffin...

Nice...

Stah Wahs muffin!
:D

Crickets!

I couldn't make it through.

OMG, it's KELLY! SuPeR K! turned me and zappop onto the whole series, and it's hysterical.

Love It Love It. I had no idea about the muffins, tho.

That's too bad, it gets delightfully absurdist later on.

The cupcakes is a minor coda. Click on Shoes, and follow the YouTube breadcrumbs to the entire KELLY series.


Gold.

I saw somebody dressed up as this Cunningham Muffins character last Halloween. It was a pretty good costume too. Matching wig, large glasses, bloody mouth.

So is there a woman comedian who dresses like a man in order to make fun of men?

I think it's pretty standard for all women comedians to make fun of men without actually dressing the part.

Ok, what am I missing? It was pretty stupid after the third absurd muffin type. Is this making fun of something I'm unaware of?

But why don't women comedians dress like men? Does it make the muffin skit funnier that it's a man dressed as a woman?

Really? I'm pretty sure he's not making fun of women, he's playing a character who's a woman.

Drag is funny (at least to me) because it's not making fun of women, it's a man doing an imperfect impersonation of a woman. Wig askew, make-up not quite right, funny stuff. Lucy got lots-o-laffs every time she donned male drag. It's not humor based on insult, but on the audience looking for little cues that tell them they're watching an impostor.

Anyhow, comedy is subjective. My grandma hated Carol Burnett (who did her own fair share of female drag characters) because she perceived Carol as making fun of old people. Pretty much anything that's funny to some people, won't be to others.

However, if you're still looking for some good examples of sexism in female comedy, listen to just about any woman who does stand-up. They all hate other women.

I actually took a whole film class on this. Gn2DL has pegged it, it's certainly a lot about "imposters." Viola's drag in Twelfth Night is plenty funny, too. Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney do some excellent funny bits in drag.

Personally, I enjoy men-in-drag comedy - but I think it's more prevalent because it may be accepted for women to veer from their femininity in, say, a board room, but men who appreciate pink still aren't appreciated, capiche?* And things that make people a little uncomfortable also make them laugh (and not necessarily because they dislike it.) This is why, btw, Alex, I find the muffin thing funny. Absurdity makes people uncomfortable. Enough absurdity in a row definitely makes me laugh.

And while drag comedy hinges on the "imposter" hints, I find that the all-around best drag comedy gets even more delicious, the more that we see of Daphne and the less of Jerry in Some Like It Hot.

* this is not to say I don't appreciate femininity in men. I do! I was just speaking of society, and the dregs of society and I are surely at odds in this case.

That is what's funny about it. It's nonsensical and stupid to the point of being funny. Each muffin gets more and more outrageous. This was made to be bad on purpose. The long uncomfortable shots and overlapping turns to the camera are intentional to make it look like a 10 year old put it together. That's all part of the gag.

And the character himself is absurd and outrageous. He starts out appearing to just be an awkward "housewife" with muffin making skills and turns out to be a twisted, psychopathic, muffin-obsessed freak.

Anyway, as Gn2Dlnd stated, comedy is very subjective.

I never get from nonsensical and stupid to funny. I go straight to irritated instead.

Yes, comedy is very subjective.

How do you feel about Ionesco?

Full disclosure: I do find his Shoes video funny.

Maybe if the muffin skit material were stronger, it wouldn't come off so much like black-face.

I'm with you on that. And the long, increasingly awkwardly long hold at the end, followed by another one has been used all over the place for the last five years. It just doesn't feel that funny any more.

But then I've never found drag itself to be inherently funny. I've seen funny people in drag but the fact of a man or women dressed like the opposite sex is not in itself funny to me.

I suspect that is a large part of why Monty Python and Kids in the Hall never really click with me (yes, they're both funny sometimes just not consistently). A lot of it seems to only be funny because it is a man dressed as a woman doing it. If they used an actual woman doing the exact same thing, I don't think many people would find it funny.

As for women as men. Slate recently had an article on the underground drag king scene in D.C. I didn't find that interesting or amusing either.

I've never seen an entire Ionesco play performed live only scenes from Rhinoceros and Bald Soprano (and I've read Rhinoceros in it's entirety) all many years ago. This limited exposure did not make me seek out more so I can't say it appealed to me then.

Watched Shoes, it plays much better than the muffin one. It is more interesting and the absurdity plays better. Still didn't think it was funny though.

If it weren't for the comments here I wouldn't have realized it was supposed to be funny. Unless surreal and absurd is simply considered a straight analog to humor (they can certainly overlap and co-exist, but I don't think the former is always the latter).

Um, well, we all love Lisa .... but, psssst ... she finds no humor in either Mel Brooks or Monty Python. She's missing a gene.

Yeah, I got the "really irritated" gene instead of the "find this funny" gene.

I suspect Ionesco would not likely appeal to you now, either. Absurdism is a love-it-or-hate-it thing, I think, and likely a lifelong opinion. I asked because I was wondering if your distaste for this had to do with your general preference for high art - and Ionesco is one of the few absurdists who is given that distinction.

Though... I've always thought Arrested Development hinged a little bit on absurdism from time to time. (30 Rock certainly does, and though I was thinking of suggesting it to you, my understanding now of your preference for absurdity causes me to retract any previous suggestion. No 30 Rock for you! :) )

To which I might retort - I don't understand why (in this thread) you're so damn eager to flaunt your lack of sense of humor (pretty ironic considering the above-quoted remark of your's from that other thread was apparently a result of the same lack).

I learned something new today. Thanks for the link, Alex.

Analyzing humor is like taking apart a rose to find out where its beauty button is.

I didn't find the muffin thing amusing - to me it was too much a one trick pony. I know some people like absurdism; it would appear that NA, Alex, and I (and probably others) do not. Although I do love me some Monty Python and Mel Brooks, so maybe I do love absurdism - who knows.

Unless, this was an attempt at humour, I find statement comparing apples and carburetors. In the thread that you linked to, you specifically made a racist statement and declared yourself a racist. Unless I missed something, Alex never once stated that he completely lacked a sense of humour. And to be honest, I love his dry, albeit sometimes hard to follow, sense of humour.

Hmmm, I didn't find the Slate article to be very revealing about the (previously unbenownst to me) drag king culture ... but I did love this quote from the gal who was experimenting with it for the purpose of writing the article:

I disagree. While I don't sit back after every funny movie I watch and deconstruct it, I find it very helpful, as a writer, to understand what makes people laugh. That same film class gave me a basic understanding of what are, to me, the funniest jokes. That humor comes from setting something up so that the audience thinks they know what's coming, and then yanking it out from under them. For a fine example, please refer to just about everything Tref has ever said, particularly his message to Cindy in her birthday podcast from BDBopper.

And while we have little control over the beauty of a rose, humor is man-made. And yes, it's often unexpected, unplanned, unconsciously put out there, and it's wonderful when it is. It isn't, always, so - for instance - Groundlings or Second City or Upright Citizens Brigade classes help people to discover humor kinesthetically... but they're certainly talking about why something is or isn't funny so as to capture and re-capture that firefly.

And yes, Kevy, you missed something.





Because I'm not a racist ... i just play one on the LoT.



Um, for laughs.




Not funny, you say? Well, humor is very subjective.

Any excuse to watch "Shoes" again is good enough for me.

For the record, I got what he was trying to do in "Muffins", but I only actually laughed briefly. I did get it, though.

Drag is funny to me in comedy due to the "imposter" aspect discussed above. The more ridiculous the better. I don't get drag queens at all though.

First, if you consider racist slurs to be funny, then yes, I don't have your sense of humor.

Second, I certainly do have a sense of humor. The above mentioned Arrested Development and 30 Rock are frequently hilarious. In a similar vein so is The Office, Flight of the Conchords and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

I wouldn't have said anything in this thread at all about whether I found this muffin video funny and why/why not (and in fact, did not for almost a day after the conversation started) except that the talking had already moved into that realm with NA's and 3894's posts.

So, to recap:

This video, not funny to me.
The shoes video, not funny but still interesting.
You "playing" a racist ass, not funny.
Other things, funny.

From a theoretical standpoint, are drag queens and drag kings really two sides of the same coin?

I'm guessing that drag kings are mostly politically motivated, whereas drag queens just want to dress like Cher.

As a writer, I could see that. But hearing a joke and then wondering about it and trying to figure out every nuance of it when one is not a writer or comedian or whatever is too Vulcan for me.
I also believe a sense of humor is innate.

For insights into the examination of what is funny I strongly recommend Steve Martin's new autobiography.

For what was essentially comedy of the stupid, he put a lot of examination and thought into what is funny, why it is funny, and how to reduce everything to that essence (whether you agree or disagree with the quality of the output). Plus it only takes about 3 hours to read and has some good stories from early Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm days.

I support Alex and Kevy in their assertion that Alex has a sense of humor. He's very funny. And yes, we keep saying this, but it's true: humor is subjective.

While we're on this litmus-test jaunt, will some of you watch this Murakami short film and tell me what you think? Warning, mildly NSFW and more than mildly creepy.

Well, yeaaaah, but the person who asked the question about drag (3894) is a writer, and the two who replied were a comedian and another writer. :)

The Inochi commercials are funny.
:D

Understood.
I just find it incredibly boring to dissect humor. I find it pointless.

While the article at Slate didn't say much about the culture of kinging, the video did show some of the other acts that were there that night. None of them seemed "polictially motivated" to me.

Completely out of context (I don't know if these are part of a larger body examining Inochi that would change how I respond), but I find them visually interesting and topically thought provoking (Inochi means life and the connection of coming alive with the onset of sexual and romantic maturity with the way it makes you feel different).

Entertaining, yes. But I wouldn't say it is funny.

(I first saw it mostly out of context, too - they are playing at the Murakami exhibit in LA, and the only other reference was a sculpture of the robot in the films.)

And, you know, I don't exactly find them funny either - but I do get a bit of that "uncomfortable" chuckle that, if it kept going, might turn into genuine laughter.

I could have phrased that better. The drag kings seem to be interested in finding out how/if society treats them differently as a man.

It's not a blanket thin with me at all. I LOVE Dada and Surrealism. Duchamp was a master of the absurd. I think what doesn't appeal to me with "Muffins" (as well as Python, et all) is the lack of subtly. Humor is a great deal more enjoyable for me if you have to be fully engaged to comprehend it (or you may miss it). When it is "in your face" I just don't find it amusing or engaging.

My recent experience with "Sweeny" is a good example. Cohen's in your face, over the top character was completely distracting and took me out of the experience of the film as a whole. I felt like I was watching a fine film with a commercial for Cohen's "talent" inserted into the midst of it.

I have similar issues with Jim Carrey in his comedic roles. "Unfortunante Events" would have been MUCH more enjoyable if Carrey was a part of the ensemble and not a "look at me" character. (Jerry Lewis was probably the first hatred I developed for this type of humor.)

But, as will all things I like or dislike, there are always exceptions. For every album of quirky pop music I don't like (TMBG, etc) there's a Belle and Sebastian in the mix that I adore.

As for Ionesco, it might be interesting to see if it appeals to me at this point in life when my preferences are much more developed and my knowledge base quite a bit greater than it was a 17 or even 23.

And completely on the side.....what is with the current fascination with cupcakes? There are competing gourmet cupcake shops popping up all over the place. Cupcakes here, cupcakes there, cupcakes everywhere!

(I'm not a bit fan of cupcakes - or cake in general - so I'm finding my disconnect with the cupcake phenomena growing.)

Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I didn't mean to imply that you're a blanket-appreciator, only that I know you definitely have voiced a dislike of pop culture. I wonder if this has to do with your appreciation for subtlety more than anything. Pop culture is rarely so.

For the record, I dislike of the Jim Carrey style of humor as well - and despit Kevy's teasing, I know you have a sense of humor because we see you laugh a great deal.

Heh, that IS completely on the side. But since I'm currently working on a short comedy film about a cupcake, I can say that I enjoy them very much because they are tasty and petite. But that cupcakes, like humor, are subjective. (I surely don't expect everyone to appreciate my noir comedy.)

Oh, I have a sense of humor. Some people even think I am funny. I think I am more of an accidental funny person than a comedian. I love to laugh and find many things to laugh at on a daily basis. Life is pretty absurd on it's own without someone trying to "make it so". I guess I just don't like to be hit over the head.

I wonder if I would appreciate the humor more if the subject was tarts?

We have a "gourmet" cupcake place near my office in Emeryville, California. $15 or 3 cupcakes or something like that.

I tried one. It was a cupcake. Slightly better than I might make at home with a box of Betty Crocker mix. I see no reason to go back (though I'm not the biggest cake fan in the world, much prefer pie if given the choice).

LSPE was just talking about cupcakes last night!
Johnny Cupcakes came up in conversation.
:)

It's very Charlie Brown, but better.

I know! I was agreeing. I heartily disagree with anyone who suggests that there's only one kind of humor, or that everyone must appreciate each other's humor. I only find people's different tastes and preferences interesting, so I like to ask them about it.

But no, no tart movies. Cupcakes are more filmic. ;)

I wish I had more time to contribute to this thread!

I'm reminded of the comment by Dame Edna (a great drag character if there ever was one) who said that her gift was "the ability to laugh at the misfortunes of others." That's comedy.

I saw the muffin video - or the opening of it anyway after I got bored and figured the schtik was intriducing ever more "could-never-really-be-a muffin" muffins. I thought it an overdone one-liner.

I love Ionesco and the absurdists - but my approach and appreciation is more as an existentialist than as a Comedian. His work points out the absurd nature of reality - Prehaps the presentation is amusing, but it masks an underlying terror as well.

Not to say that anything should be off limits on a discussion board, but in a thread about a funny video, I find repeated posts to the effect that one doesn't think it's funny to be a stick-in-the-mud quality indicative of having no sense of humor.


One "I don't think that's funny" should be quite sufficient. But I don't see why it's necessary to say it over and over. Again, there's no rules about what to say on a message board ... but then I am inspired to say that such a person is demonstrating a stick-in-the-mud quality that bespeaks a lack of humor.


We all know Alex has a droll wit. He's demonstrated it many times. We all know Lisa loves to laugh and is a hilarious ball to be around, but it's a niche bit of friendly teasing that she doesn't happen to like the nearly-universal touchstones of comedy that are Brooks and Piethon.


But I also truly believe that Alex can be a stick-in-the-mud too often around here, and I felt compelled to comment on it in this thread about humor. If you don't find the particular topic funny, I find it rather boarish to keep repeating that opinion.

I made it as far as the Al Jarreau muffin. Then I was out. Because I wanted to stop watching while I was still smiling.

:D

I think the discussion has evolved to the nature of comedy

I live for dissecting text.

Too bad Ionesco never wrote about the citizens of a town turning into cupcakes, one by one, until only one human is left. "Rhinoceros" does make a better title than "Cupcake".

My favorite Theater of the Absurd game is played while waiting to board a plane, especially if the plane is delayed to a maddening degree. The gate becomes either a set for a "Waiting for Godot"-type production or a "No Exit".

Here's hoping I didn't geek you out.

No, rather, you geeked me in!

Cupcakes are both delicious and funny.


The PERFECT food!

Oh, I'll certainly cop to being a stick in the mud too often. But that tends to be because I like to discuss the whys and wherefores of differing opinions when most people are just looking for "me too!" posts. I try to restrain it but I certainly fail a lot.

Though the fact that I wasn't rolling at the charming little racist character you apparently enjoy playing maybe isn't the best supporting evidence. When you're striving to amuse through offense you can't be all that shocked when someone is just offended. Especially if what you said wasn't funny.

But I do so apologize for participation in the conversation that followed me sharing my opinion. From here on out, I'll just say "me too!"

Listen, Alex ... do as you will. I'm not here to control you or berate you into my desired behavior.

But I'm still of the opinion things have their appropriate place. Two extremes: In a political thread, it might be fine to say I Hate Hillary over and over and over. It's a topic of (generally) serious discussion.

In a thread about a funny video ... how many times is it necessary to say you don't find the video funny? At what point are you just a killjoy?


As it turns out, and wonderfully so, the thread has mutated into an often serious discussion about the nature of humor ... and anyone's comments about what they do or do not find funny, and why ... are perfectly appropriate.

Again, what I find appropriate and what you do need not be the same.



And believe me, I hestiated to comment because it veers toward personal attack ... but I decided I really had to point out you were being a killjoy.


Except that, oops, now I'm sorta being one. So that's it. Done.

I believe the phrase is What [insert name here] said!

That was a great read. I bought it one getaway weekend just to have something to read (since I forgot reading material). I found myself thoroughly engrossed in his narrative about the evolution of HIS comedy and ended up reading the book in about a day and a half. I lent it to someone (I think NA, but I am not sure) and look forward to re-reading it some day. The parts about his time at Disneyland (there is much more than just his time at the Magic Shop) were fascinating.

I am sure you didn't mean it this way, but I wouldn't call it a definitive on all that is funny. It is a good analysis of the evolution of Steve Martin's comedy which could be applied to an overall review of comedy.
_______________________

I had a lot to say, but I think this post pretty much says what I had to say.

me too!

Damnit. If you're gonna do it, do it right!

Now, THIS is the type of absurdest humor I find funny. Or, maybe it's just irony that makes me smile.

I would probably view these commercials entirely differently if it were not Japanese. Because I have both a familiarity and a fascination with Japanese Pop Culture, I can't help but be amused.

Anyway, back onto the topic: my impending marriage to Liam Sullivan...

Here's what he looks like out of drag. Mmmmm. I'd like a muffin of that variety, please.

Um, omg, i had no idea. Wow.

Yes. And I volunteer to analyze him in person to find out where the humor comes from...
;)

Please don't marry him. Then I'd have to hang around with him! ;) (Sorry, I just watched "shoes" and am mad.)

You're mad because Kelly bought shoes you wanted to buy.
:D

Yeah, those $300 ones would be great for dog walking.:)