" Respect is just a minimum."- Lauryn Hill Derailment is the art of diverting a conversation or storyline away from its original ...
"Respect is just a minimum."- Lauryn Hill
Derailment is the art of diverting a conversation or storyline away from its original intended track, often resulting in comedic chaos, confusion, or unexpected outcomes.
In comedy and other less serious-natured film genres, derailing is funny. Derailing can add comedic value to movies by taking unexpected detours, introducing absurd topics, or highlighting the characters' quirky personalities.
Example 1:
In the movie "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," the news team gathers for an important meeting, but their discussion about professional growth takes a hilarious turn when Brick Tamland randomly admits he ate a whole wheel of cheese.
The conversation derails into an absurd debate on whether eating cheese is frowned upon or an indicator of personal strength, leaving everyone questioning their decision to have the meeting in the first place.
Example 2:
During the climactic final battle scene in "The Avengers," as the superheroes devise a strategy to defeat the villain, Thor randomly interrupts the intense discussion by reminiscing about his favorite shawarma place.
The group becomes momentarily derailed as they contemplate the delectable prospect of post-battle shawarma, leading the audience to chuckle at the unexpected comedic relief in an otherwise action-packed moment.
Example 3:
In the iconic film "Mrs. Doubtfire," the main character, Daniel, attempts to maintain his disguise as a British nanny while chatting with his ex-wife's new boyfriend.
However, his derailing skills come into play when he inadvertently turns a simple conversation about art into a hilarious debate questioning the artistic value of a cream pie to the face. The absurdity leaves the boyfriend utterly befuddled and unsure how to continue the interaction, providing the audience with comedic relief in an otherwise tense moment.
Example 4:
In the classic comedy "Meet the Parents," Greg Focker tries to impress his girlfriend's strict father, but his attempts backfire spectacularly.
During a casual conversation about his profession as a male nurse, Greg's derailing instincts kick in when he awkwardly shares unfortunate stories involving peculiar patient encounters. The conversation quickly spirals into a series of absurd and cringe-worthy anecdotes, leaving both Greg and the father hilariously uncomfortable.
Example 5:
In the movie "Bridesmaids," the bridal party gathers for dress fittings, hoping for a calm and smooth experience.
However, the bridesmaids display their derailing prowess when, one by one, they start suffering from an unexpected food poisoning incident in the posh boutique. The conversation abruptly shifts from discussing gown options to managing various digestive emergencies, resulting in utter chaos and side-splitting laughs.
Note: I liked this movie but I thought that this was the least funny scene. I was surprised that others found it "hilarious". Hmm. Anyway, in more serious films or ....life, derailing may not add comedic value to a moment. Sometimes, ain't nothing funny.
You're hearing about likely the worst days and moments of someone's life. They may never forget what happened to them. They will never be the same.
Please refrain from derailing conversations around violence and abuse victims to focus on who did not do it. When you hear stories about someone being hurt, harmed, and violated.
The point is: Someone was hurt, harmed, and or violated.
Please refrain from moving the spotlight to another never-ending and pointless debate. Someone was hurt, harmed, and or violated.
Let's sit with that.
Let's reflect on that.
Let's turn our thoughts towards what can be done to support victims and Survivors in our own lives.
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