i love comedy. this comes as no surprise. i am especially fond of the "mockumentary" genre, a style that can best be described as "faux realism." waiting for guffman and the office are two examples of this form of hilarity.about a year ago, when i was working in comedy development, i was introduced to an australian comedy that capitalized on the mockumentary style and also gave it a new "twist." this twist came in the form of writer/director/performer chris lilley who played ALL 5 main characters himself (both men and women of various ages and backgrounds).
the show was called we can be heroes and followed around 5 "regular" people who were all nominated for the prestigious "australian of the year award." the show explored who they were, why they were nominated, and how they lived their daily lives. pure genius. one of the nominees was a 16-year old girl named Ja'mie (pronounced JA-MAY) who was spotlighted for her charity work and focus on world issues (in one such episode Ja'mie receives a letter and photo from the starving ethiopian girl she's helping and she exclaims to her friends..."oh my god, she looks like Beyonce in this picture...").
Intro of Ja'mie on we can be heroes:
following we can be heroes lilley took the character of Ja'mie and did a spin-off, giving her life beyond the competition and creating even more characters that he himself potrays. this new series, called summer heights high brings Ja'mie to life in a new way, at a new school. and it's JUST as brilliant. not only is Ja'mie just as bitchy and self-absorbed as usual, but we are also introduced to an eccentric drama teacher at the school named Mr. G who uses many "unorthodox" techniques to get his students to experience true drama as well as a troubled youth named Jonah whose harsh language and angsty rebellious attitude make him a riot to watch.
summer heights high TRAILER:
i learned yesterday that summer heights high was recently bought by HBO and added to their 2008 comedy lineup. bold move for HBO but one that could really pay off big if people are able to realize the talent that lilley possesses as a true triple-threat. sure these shows are a bit off-color and not what i'd call "PC" but they accomplish what comedy is designed to do: allow us to laugh at things the world might deem "too serious"...even if only for 30 minutes. laughter as medicine. prescription filled here.
please start watching this.
and quoting this.
and LOVING THIS.
Official sites -->
we can be heroes: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/heroes/
summer heights high: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/summerheightshigh/
1 comment:
GAH! That is AMAZINGLY HILARIOUS! Holy momma. Who knew Australians were so brilliant? ;-)
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