In a recent column, a TV guide editor raved about the comedy of
the "Monty Python" group. He said he loved it but he
couldn't quite figure out why. He felt it strange that he and
much of the world enjoyed Python so much because a lot of the
humor was quite specifically English. Furthermore, he wanted to
know if anyone out there could explain to him why he liked it
so much. Well, I enjoy Python too. I practically split my gut
watching parts of their movies, "The Holy Grail", "The
Life of Brian", and "The Meaning of Life." And,
I'm a damn curious guy. If I like something or I hate something,
I usually figure out why. So, Mr. Editor, here's my two cents
worth.
One thing I love about Monty Python is that they don't seem to
care who they might offend. As long as it's truthful and funny,
they put it out. In Canada and the U.S.A., most TV shows and movies,
even the more risqué ones, take pains to be politically
correct. Although this doesn't make it impossible to be funny,
it makes it awfully difficult to get rip-roaring humor. And, when
an outside source like Python throws propriety to the four winds
to get a laugh, I get a sense of finally getting something that
I've been denied for too long. For example, the Python boys have
a skit from "The Meaning of Life" comparing the use
of condoms between Protestants and Catholics. The Catholic household
has more than thirty children because, according to the father,
every sperm is sacred so every time he has sex, there should be
some chance of procreation. Condoms are a sin against God. Python
turns this idea into an elaborate song and dance number with the
parents and the children singing "Every Sperm is Sacred."
The family is joined by a dancing chorus of nuns and priests.
Even a talking crucifix gets into the act. To avoid copyright
infringement, I won't write out a copy of the lyrics here but
if you appreciate irreverent humor that hits the nail right on
the head, do yourself a favor and rent "The Meaning of Life."
Another thing about Monty Python that I love has to do with another
deficiency of North American humor. Generally, we seem to be afraid
that the audience won't get the joke. Many shows make things so
obvious it gets incredibly dull. There's no such danger with Python.
Although they have their pure slapstick moments, there are gems
of highbrow humor in their work. In "The Holy Grail",
there's a hilarious scene where King Arthur marches through a
farm. He stops a local peasant and asks him who his lord is. The
peasant turns out to be a member of an 'autonomous commune' where
the workers hold regular meetings to elect leaders who will decide
on important issues. This worker is completely rude to King Arthur
demanding who elected him King. The juxtaposition of feudal society
with a kind of deranged socialism is hilarious. At one point,
Arthur gets fed up and grabs the worker by the collar demanding
some simple answers. The worker yells out "I'm being repressed!
I'm being repressed! Did you see that? He repressed me."
Arthur gives up in frustration leaving the worker chattering after
him.
Finally, the thing that I really love best about Python is that,
in addition to creating great bits of comedy, they are often making
insightful social commentary at the same time. Although at times,
this may not be entirely obvious. I was puzzled for years by the
ending of "The Holy Grail." (For those who haven't seen
it, please forgive me. I assure you this is not a movie that will
be spoiled by knowing the ending.) King Arthur gathers together
a large army of knights to prepare for a final charge on a castle
where the grail is being held. Just after they start, they are
stopped by a squad of modern day police who arrest Arthur and
take him away. He is supposedly responsible for murdering a historian
who was filming a documentary on the events around the Quest for
the Holy Grail. (A bizarre example of creative anachronism.) For
years, I thought this was a completely dippy ending. Why such
a letdown after such a glorious build-up in the film? Last year,
I had my answer.
I was watching a documentary on the Beatles called "The Beatles
Anthology." After finishing recording "Abbey Road",
the Beatles held an impromptu concert on the roof of their recording
studio. It would prove to be their last live performance ever.
As the Beatles were a musical phenomenon which essentially defined
an era, this was an event of some historical significance. After
playing for a while, the set was cut short by the police. Someone
had complained about the noise of the concert and the police had
to shut the Beatles down. There you have it: the last concert
of a rock group who changed the face of music, culture, and to
some extent, the whole arts-business-economy relationship, shut
down early by the cops for a misdemeanor. Python plays a farce
on this by having King Arthur's quest similarly closed down by
the British police. What a daring ending! I wonder how many filmmakers
in North America have the balls to make an ending like that and
hope that someone understands it.
Great show, boys! I'd like to think I share the Python spirit
when I say 'Stay happy and don't take no crap!' Until next issue,
I am
Yours truly,
Happy.
