The Usual Suspects - Aristotle, Kevin Spacey, and Paul Grawe

In chapter two of the Definition of Comedy,Grawe identifies comedy in two sorts as described by Aristotle. It is important for any author to compare his work with that of another in order to contrast views. Aristotle defines tragedy and by doing so he relates that to the misconception of comedy. Aristotle divides comedy as an imitation of an action as defined by tragedy and that serious comedy is trivial. This is an age-old definition of comedy in Aristotle’s day. This argument is confusing, but then again, it was written by Aristotle. Furthermore, Grawe attacks Aristotle asking what action typifies comedy? His trivial action characteristic, “routinely blinds itself to the most serious achievements of comedy in every age.” He puts the “action” stereotype in lay man’s terms by saying it is the unmasking of a hero/villain. This helps the reader comprehend Aristotle’s high-minded views. He gives a very easy example to simplify, “The best-known formula of this action is the one in which boy meets girl, seems to lose girl, and finally wins girl.” Grawe identifies other theories of comedic historians to criticize Aristotle. While Aristotle’s claims are hard to understand, I am sure in his time they were completely relevant.
Grawe begins his own interpretation of comedy by using Aristotle as a base. Like Aristotle, he breaks comedy up into two types. He brings up the topic of “frothy” comedy which I thoroughly enjoy. Just by the name “frothy,” I knew I was in for a treat. He says that this comedy has, “little to recommend it beyond the light.” Personally, this is my sort of comedy. The Dumb and Dumber movies of the world will never get old, and their quotes might even surpass the tunes of Aristotle. Although this is unlikely, I hope it will recount plenty of laughs for teenagers all over the world. He spends a little more time with the type known as serious comedy. His types are much easier to understand than Aristotle’s terms. Serious comedy uses intelligence to enhance the performance. This comedy takes a little more than a poop joke to keep its audience. It is said that the greatest comedians use this comedy to attract an audience. It can also give a comedian some sort of reputation. The best “serious” comedy I can think of his that of the movie, The Usual Suspects. It is one of my all-time favorite movies, not for its intense drama, but for the cynical laughs I found myself having. Kevin Spacey’s performance is anything but funny, but the last ten minutes of the movie kept a snarling grin on my face. If you have not seen the movie I would highly recommend it, but I would also disregard anything and everything I have reported. I like this serious comedy because it provokes the audience to think while also spilling some laughs. The important thing for the comedian, sort a say, is not to make the joke too advanced in that the joke or theme will go over their heads. The Usual Suspects does a great job in extracting thoughts from its audience, while also keeping them on the edge of their seats. Geez, this sounds like a review.