Surreal Comedy!
Here is a link to my presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/188g6eyTER9xvbGFDfBbgKowVvHxEhahmx4ZLvNAUaSA/edit?usp=sharing
The pieces of media I referenced in my presentation were:
Three Busy Debras - If you only watch one of the things I've recommended here, it should be Three Busy Debras. Really amazing surrealist, feminist sketch comedy which follows the lives of three women named Debra as they navigate their fanciful lives in the town of Lemoncurd. Available on HBO Max.
Sorry to Bother You - This film embodies a lot of the key aspects of both surreal comedy as well as horror, from a Marxist perspective. The film follows a telemarketer named Cassius as he begins to climb the ranks of corporate America, against a backdrop of an alternative version of Oakland, California. Available a couple places online.
I Think You Should Leave - Another sketch comedy show - this one definitely veers a bit more into the wacky side, but in the context of examining human relationships and behaviors, the main actor (Tim Robinson) definitely embodies many elements of surreal comedy (as well as clown!). This is also a great example of how surreal situations often begin within the realm of the mundane. Available on Netflix.
Welcome to Nightvale - Long-running podcast that in many ways pioneered surrealism through audio performances. Presented in the format of a community radio show.
as well as a few scenes from The Sopranos, although this was kind of a stretch, admittedly. Great show, just don't watch it expecting a surreal comedy. Follows mob boss Tony Soprano, who begins to see a therapist to treat his panic attacks. The specific scenes I'm referring to are typically ones that occur in dreams or hallucinations. I included these because they are a great example of how surrealism can reveal secrets within the subconscious, or messages from The Gods.
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