The JAP Affect

No, I'm not using a derogatory World War II term or referring to Long Island's obnoxious and entitled, I'm talking about Judd Apatow and his slew of movies. They don't necessarily break the genre barriers but they have introduced mainstream movie-goers to a new kind of comedy. Most notable are Knocked Up and 40-Year-Old Virgin. I won't go into full-blown synopses of these films but they do have overlapping elements that are Apatow's trademark. Similarly, these elements can be used to analyze our culture, and the role and perception of men in society today.

The male characters in both of these films are average by every standard. They're not the overtly fat, dumb, and rude to their wives and children like the male characters on CBS sitcoms. (names of which are escaping me right now) But they're also not the Brad Pitt's of Hollywood. They're basically the quintessential "dudes." They're exceedingly relatable yet outlandish enough to elicit laughs. Their dialogue is itelligently comical and their trials and tribulations are endearing.

The movies themselves appeal to a very specific demographic because of the structure of the humor and the cultural references made. Many lines from these type of movies become fleeting catchphrases. They also incorporate both mainstream and alternative popculture and subcultural ideas aiding to the subtle exclusivity of the humor.

Although these men have their problems and are not physically remarkably attractive, they somehow find themselves with gorgeous women who claim to choose these men despite their attractivenessm, for their winning personalities. According to Apotow and the like, it pays to be dorky as long as you have a good heart and can make some good jokes. The "villains" or guys who are out to get the quirky Average Joe's are usually beefed up jocks and are depicted as being unintelligent. This displays that men who are physically fit and attractive are not smart enough to be in on the jokes. Thinking about these male characters this way, is not much of a departure from how female characters are viewed. If a woman is both thin and beautiful, she can't be very smart.