I found this video extremely entertaining and a good example of verbal and non-verbal communication used to express humour. This video was aired on the American sketch comedy television series, MADtv on 24 November 2007. Firstly, I found it ingenious, with the fusion of the concept of Rihanna's Umbrella video and the incorporation of both the Democratic Presidential candidates. Secondly, it is insanely hilarious (if you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? *winks*) Not only are their impersonations almost perfect and spot-on, the lyrics of the song is insane, risqué and drenched with wit and perfect comic timing. Additionally, the excessive use of sexual innuendos is extremely entertaining. Don't we all enjoy a bit of bawdy humour once in a while?
The writers of the song must have spent a lot of time trying to fit the right words into Rihanna's Umbrella, and I suppose the actors also had to put a lot of emphasis on their non-verbal cues, such as oculesics (the 'Barack' in the video has an extremely cheeky glint in his eyes), haptics (I don't think I need to explain this aspect right? *winks*), proxemics (with their 'extremely' close proximity in the video, it is hard to take them seriously!) and lastly, their physical appearance. The actors look somewhat similar to their real counterparts, kudos to the use of costumes, make-up, expressions and voice-impersonation.
My favourite aspect of this video is the pun used in the song's title: Under Barack Obama. It could be referring to being under him, as a President and being led by his administration, and also literally being 'under him'.
Enjoy :)
.jpg)
8 comments:
I would just like to add a bit to your analysis: What makes this clip work is the coincidence of verbal and non-verbal communication. The synchrony of the visual ribaldry and the lyrics are what effectively communicate the message, like when she slips his 'ballot' into her 'slot'.
Use of humour is such a great way to convey messages to audiences. These messages are often satirical, metaphorical and/or subtle. It is the best way of putting the opinions across without actually offending anyone because it hides behind the cloak of "it's all in the name of fun". In this case though, it probably was really for fun.
brilliant ad..well..it not only brings out the humour, but also showcasing how much freedom of speech n liberty they actually have in the states..imagine such ad being shown in Singapore..nightmare is waiting for the uploader..the use of metaphor is excellent..well after..kudos to the producer..after all..the target is..the upcoming president of the supposedly most powerful country in the world..lol..
I know! Totally brilliant! Yes, it does bring to mind the idea of freedom of speech and liberty. Though it is risqué', I think it's still tasteful and not rude.
Like what Bryan said, humour is indeed a great way to convey messages. In my psychology class, i studied something about humour and persuasion working hand-in-hand. It is said that when you're happy, blood flows more often through your brain, which in turn allows you to be more receptive to ideas. But apart from this, humour can work against you by covering up your main message. So, i guess it is up to how effective they used the humour as it is a double-edged sword.
hilarious! and one wonders why SingaBORE is so unhappening. it's time to air MadTV and Robot Chicken!
that aside, such parodies are often created to present minority views which are too sensitive to talk about on a serious note. they are avenues for people to express what they think without having the masses retaliate.
if anything goes wrong, they just have to blame it on the name of fun and humor!
I think this video did a great job in mixing a little humour with politics. I like the way they play around with the choice of words. The lyrics could be taken literally or as a figurative speech. The non-verbal communication repeats, complements and regulates the verbal messages in this video. The emotional expressions are simply hilarious! I think its a great way address a dry topic (politics) in a light-hearted way.
Totally agree with you Amarit :)
Some people might find politics a dry topic, but this infusion with humor (specifically, coarse, bawdy humor), suddenly makes politics an interesting topic. Yes, the choice of words used is brilliant! Their expressions are classic!
When I first saw the video on Facebook, I was hooked, and had to watch it almost everyday! I guess, the serious undertones would be the relationship between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. At that point, there were discussions of whether Hillary Clinton would choose Barack Obama as her Vice-President or vice-versa, should either of them clinch the Presidential ticket to the White House in November 2008.
I think they were just parodying that and blowing things out of proportion!
Post a Comment