Review of The Producers (1968) by Paul B — 06 Oct 2014

I'm sure this review won't win me many followers, but here it is, nevertheless. So this is about a Broadway producer and his new accountant, scheming together and finding that it would be fiscally beneficial for them to put together the biggest box office bomb of all time.

What could go wrong? Now I don't want to alienate myself from my readers before I hit my 30th post, but I have a fairly unpopular opinion that I tend to keep to myself: the comedic stylings of Mel Brooks typically don't hit home for me.

I didn't grow up with his movies, and I don't roll around, raucously laughing whenever his movies are on... I usually get a sideways stare whenever I share these sentiments. Comedy is easily the most subjective genre out there, and it's not like I have an inherent desire to have a miserable time and watch this man's library all stony-faced, but if something doesn't make you laugh, then it doesn't make you laugh.

Frankly speaking, I prefer jokes with more subtlety to them, and while Mel Brooks is capable of telling a joke that has layers to it, more often than not, he goes for a something loud, panders for a reaction, and goes back to doing the same thing again, like the infamous campfire scene from Blazing Saddles.

And I've come to terms with the fact that maybe it's just me; the man has such a huge following, maybe I'm the one that's wrong on this one. More than anything, it feels like I am not included in an inside joke, and I can't help but feel that this overt humor has become dated as these movies have aged.

I even would go so far to say that it's just the jokes, as I did appreciate all of the actors in their respective roles, Gene Wilder especially. I was caught by surprise on a few jokes, but I suppose it didn't help that I already knew the punchline to the main twist of the movie going in.

I would say that the big finale number is what is the standout piece of this movie, and it is a really enjoyable to see how the worst show in the world would play out. I can see this working very well on the stage, as this type of humor works better live rather than onscreen in my opinion.

If you love Mel Brooks, this really stands a chance at being one of your favorite comedies of all time, but for me? I'm just an outsider looking in.