When we encounter an alcoholic character on TV or in film, it’s often the ‘humorous drunk’ making bad yet hilarious decisions. So, why do filmmakers choose this portrayal? Isn’t presenting these characters in such a light potentially harmful to real-life individuals grappling with addiction? Or could it be that filmmakers’ approach to this depiction goes beyond our initial assumptions?
In today’s blog, we delve into four different TV shows and films that appear to depict characters who suffer from alcohol addiction in a humorous manner. However, upon closer inspection, these portrayals may actually contribute to raising awareness about the complexities of this challenging addiction.
Why is alcoholism sometimes portrayed as ‘funny’ in the media?
Alcohol addiction is a complex and often devastating condition that can have severe consequences for individuals and their loved ones, so why do filmmakers often portray it as funny or silly?
One idea is that by using dark comedy to depict alcoholics, there’s a risk of downplaying the gravity of the situation and making light of the real struggles people face in their battle against addiction.
On the other hand, some argue that dark comedy can serve as a means of raising awareness and starting conversations about alcohol addiction. By presenting the challenges of overcoming addiction in a humorous light, filmmakers may be attempting to engage audiences who might otherwise shy away from a more serious approach. It could be seen as a way to break down barriers and initiate dialogues about a difficult subject.
With this view in mind, let’s take a look at four different TV shows and films where this idea is shown:
Barney Gumble- The Simpsons: ‘Don’t cry for me, I’m already dead’
Barney Gumble, a recurring character in “The Simpsons,” is portrayed as Springfield’s lovable but perpetually intoxicated town drunk. Known for his belching, stumbling antics and slurred speech, Barney’s endearing yet troubled personality adds another comedy element to the show. Despite his flaws, he remains a beloved and sympathetic figure in the series.
In one episode, ‘A Star is Burns’, a local film festival comes to the town of Springfield, urging the residents to submit home movies of their own. “Pukahontas” is Barney’s entry to the film festival and depicts his struggles with alcoholism. The narrative follows Barney’s downward spiral, from drinking Duff Beer excessively to the point of collapse and ageing rapidly.
What should be a heartfelt story manages to contain some humorous parts. Seated in a chair, seemingly at an Alcoholics Anonymous gathering, Barney confesses, “I’m Barney Gumble, and I’m an alcoholic.” The camera pans out, revealing him surrounded by girls donned in Scout uniforms, prompting Lisa Simpson to interject, “Mr. Gumble, this is a Girl Scout meeting.” Unfazed, Barney retorts, “Is it? Or is it that you girls can’t admit you have a problem?”
While it is a humorous scene, it also starkly underscores the harsh reality that, no matter how hard Barney tries to overcome his alcohol addiction, those around him may perceive him as either foolish or amusing. This theme resonates prominently in society with alcoholics, particularly when their symptoms are readily apparent (such as sluggish reactions, poor decision making or dishevelled appearance).
The struggle to achieve sobriety can often feel like an uphill battle, compounded by the perception that the world is unsupportive and ‘out to get you’. This sentiment is further emphasised when Barney, after openly discussing his commitment to ‘getting clean and sober’ before an audience, secures a lifetime supply of Duff Beer as the prize for winning the film festival.
Throughout the short film, a melancholic tone is used as Barney reflects on his life, accompanied by the symbolic imagery of a rose losing its petals. The narrative reaches its conclusion with the words, ‘Don’t cry for me, I’m already dead,’ underscoring Barney’s surrender to the clutches of alcohol.
Randy Marsh- South Park: “It’s called a Smorgasvein, and it’s elegantly cultural”.
In these scenes from the South Park episode, ‘Freemium Isn’t Free’, Randy Marsh cleverly attempts to mask his own alcohol issues with an air of sophistication and culture. Through humorous dialogue and actions, he deflects attention away from his own habits while lecturing others about their addictive behaviours.
Randy “Wine Tasting” – South Park
After lecturing his elderly father about his gambling habits and his son, Stan, over his addictive habits to mobile games, Randy is confronted by his father, who points out that he’s not one to talk with a glass of wine in his hand. Randy replies defensively, “I’m not having a glass of wine. I’m having six. It’s called a ‘tasting’, and it’s classy.”
Instead of admitting to any issue, he plays it off with a touch of humour, stating that he’s not having just one glass of wine but rather six. He frames it as a ‘tasting,’ emphasising the perceived classiness of the act. This witty response serves as a defence mechanism to downplay any concerns about his alcohol intake.
Randy and His Addiction – South Park
In another scene, Randy is again scowling Stan for his seemingly out-of-control in-app purchases of a game that he frequently plays. Randy states that Stan needs to understand that he has inherited an addictive personality trait from his dad, Stan’s grandfather and needs to be careful. Stan snaps back by asking how he can scowl him when he’s ‘standing there, chugging beer’. Again, Randy hits back in a defensive yet hilarious manner:
“I am not ‘chugging beer’ I’m sampling a flight of gluten free German lagers with a French wine pairing. It’s called a Smorgasvein and it’s elegantly cultural.”
The use of sophisticated terminology and cultural references serves as a comedic way for Randy to deflect from the fact that he’s, in reality, drinking heavily.
Another part of the episode see’s Stan inherit the powers of the devil to take down the mobile app company that formed an issue with. Randy, watching TV and drinking two beers through a straw and a beer hat states. “You see, the kids got demons. I wouldn’t do anything like that.”
The visual of him watching TV with a beer hat and straws emphasises the irony of his words, creating a comedic contrast between his comments about Stan’s behaviour and his own actions.
While South Park presents these situations in a comedic and exaggerated manner, they draw attention to some psychological and behavioural aspects often associated with alcoholism. In reality, people facing alcohol-related issues may employ similar tactics to conceal their struggles, making it challenging for themselves and others to recognise and address the underlying problem.
Bad Santa (2003)- Willie T Stoke
Bad Santa is a dark comedy film featuring Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a profane and alcoholic conman who poses as a department store Santa Claus to rob malls with his dwarf partner. As Willie’s antics spiral out of control, he unexpectedly forms a bond with a neglected boy.
Bad Santa skillfully navigates the thin line between humour and sadness by portraying its protagonist, Willie, as a complex character struggling with alcoholism. While the film uses Willie’s outrageous and comedic drunken escapades for laughs, it simultaneously delves into the darker consequences of his addiction. The mix of hilarious moments and alcoholic struggles underscores the fragile nature of his existence.
Willie’s drinking habit causes him to be incontinent, which is aimed to be a comedy moment. This coupled with screaming at children in public, ruining Christmas decorations in front of children, having sex in public places and the usage of cocaine, shows how disconnected Willie is from reality.
He’s got to the point in his addiction where he no longer cares about the perception of others and is only focused on fuelling his alcohol problem. This is a trait shared by many alcoholics and is a sign that the person needs immediate help.
Barfly (1987)- The dive-bar culture
Barfly is a 1987 film based on the semi-autobiographical screenplay by Charles Bukowski. The movie provides a darkly comedic portrayal of alcohol addiction, focusing on the life of Henry Chinaski, played by Mickey Rourke, a character loosely based on Bukowski himself.
The film captures the gritty and chaotic lifestyle of an alcoholic, showcasing the destructive nature of addiction while infusing a dark sense of humour into the narrative.
Barfly romanticises the culture of dive bars and the camaraderie among regular patrons. Despite the destructive consequences of alcoholism, the film portrays the bar as a sanctuary where individuals find solace, connection and get into some humorous situations.
In one scene, an elderly man stumbles to the bar, ordering a ‘house whiskey’ with slurred speech. His attempt to gracefully perch on a bar stool turns into a clumsy struggle. As he tries to lift the glass to his mouth, the telltale signs of ‘the shakes’ reveal the impact of alcoholism, resulting in spilt whiskey.
Barfly – alcoholic drink funny scene (cz)
The bartender, acknowledging the situation, refills the glass for free. In a darkly humorous twist, the man ingeniously improvises a solution, using a scarf to fashion a makeshift ‘pulley’ support system. Despite the comical setup, the scene subtly underscores the challenges and struggles associated with alcohol dependency.
Final thoughts
Media has the ability to elicit a range of emotions and perspectives and it seems like the films and TV shows mentioned today have succeeded in promoting reflection on the serious and often heartbreaking consequences of alcoholism. By using humour as a gateway, the creators may have intended to draw in viewers and then gradually reveal the deeper, more poignant aspects of the characters’ struggles.
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