Apr 6, 2011

Catch Me If You Can


This past week we all watched some prime examples of chase scenes in classic Looney Tunes and Tex Avery cartoons that utilized the chase scene as a crux for gags and emotions. It is not hard to understand why the chase is easily one of the most used gags. From laughing at the constant flummoxing of the dim-witted-single-focus-instigators, to off-kilter genius that is used by the prey to get away it is very hard to find something not to like. What I find fascinating about the video above is the use of the chase to go through multiple mini narratives that are recognizable and familiar to the modern television watching public.

Being a contemporary audience living in a world of technological enlightenment concepts like "undiscovered interior of Africa" are no longer a contemporary thought. The initial use of channel surfing at the beginning is a good replacement for an adventurer looking for the Dodo. Setting the stage for the ensuing chase and chaos it leaves in its wake. The chase is a vehicle for the comedic moments to happen as world colide and not a direct result to try and stanch the agressor. As the chase progresses the mini-narratives start folding into each other. Genres cross and mutate leading into destruction of the whole, which is very different to the classic chase scenes where both the protagonist and antagonist are alive but ego-bruised.

To be honest I have been looking for an excuse to post this, and this seemed like a good enough time as any.
-Ben

No comments:

Post a Comment