How to Make a Great Movie Parody
If you love movies, then spoofing them is a hobby you might want to get into. Over the years, filmmakers have parodied just about any genre from the classics to contemporary hit movies. But a good parody has to do more than simply poke fun at the source material. It has to be entertaining, too.
Getting your parody movie right can be difficult, but there are some classics you can look to for inspiration. In fact, a number of spoof films have become beloved franchises. And while they are often under-90-minute comedies, the satirical elements of the genre have proven to be a great form of entertainment.
One of the most famous parodies of all time is Airplane! Aside from Karem Abdul-Jabbar’s incredible performance, the film was also made by a team of talented writers and filmmakers. These men included Jerry Zucker, David Zucker, and Jim Abrahams. Their film was a combination of movie footage and classic film noir. The result was a masterpiece.
Another one of the most popular spoof films of all time is Young Frankenstein. While it is an adaptation of the classic Universal Monster Film of 1931, it still comes off as a genuine Mel Brooks homage. The director’s love for the material comes through in the cast, which includes Madeline Kahn and Teri Garr. As a result, the physical comedy flows seamlessly with the set designs of the original.
Aside from Young Frankenstein, another great parody of the genre is This Is Spinal Tap. Unlike most other spoofs, this one features a real rock star: Rob Reiner. Unlike most other spoofs, however, this one isn’t very serious. Instead, it has a healthy dose of mockumentary. That’s because Christopher Guest crafted the script. He isn’t just the director, but he’s also an actor in the film.
The most important thing to remember when making a parody movie is timing. You don’t want the jokes to come across as forced or over-the-top. Also, the audience must enjoy the parody as much as the original.
Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles is a parody of the western genre, full of hilarious moments and a fantastic message. The movie has plenty of blue language. Plus, it’s a bit of a love letter to the classics of the 1930s.
While a spoof can be a great way to poke fun at the world, there’s no room for it to overstep. The best ones, like “Star Trek,” don’t go over the top.
Parody movies are a great way to enjoy the fun of movies without leaving the comfort of your home. Whether you’re watching a movie with your kids or your friends, a spoof is a perfect way to spend a weekend night out. There’s no better deal in entertainment.
During the 1970s, a new wave of parodies was born. From Mystery Science Theater 3000 to “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid,” a lot of spoofs came out. Ultimately, though, it’s a matter of finding the right ones.