The Art of Deliberate Discontinuity: A Survey of Absurdist Comedy in Film

Have you ever encountered a movie where the continuity errors were not just incidental, but deliberate? This technique, often employed in satirical comedies, exposes the flaws and absurdities of narrative structure and logic to create a unique form of humor. The 1970 film Catch-22, directed by Mike Nichols, stands as a prime example of a movie that uses deliberate discontinuity to explore the absurdity of war and life in general. Similarly, the 1988 film Airplane II: TheCondorman Puts Out utilizes this technique in a different context. Let's delve deeper into the art of deliberate discontinuity in cinema.

The Deliberate Discontinuity in Catch-22

Based on Joseph Heller’s novel of the same name, Catch-22 is a satirical anti-war black comedy that addresses the idiocy of military bureaucracy. The film is replete with discontinuities and deliberate errors that serve to highlight the absurdity of the characters’ situations and the illogical nature of the military hierarchy. This technique is employed to showcase the repetitive and illogical aspects of military life, often through a circular logic embodied in the iconic rule of Catch-22.

For instance, in Catch-22, certain scenes may appear to be out of order, reflecting the characters' confusion and disorientation caused by war. Additionally, the film boasts an array of continuity errors, such as incoherent jive talk, inconsistent props, and non-linear sequences, all of which contribute to the film's absurdist humor. These discontinuities not only make the film a joy to watch but also serve as a critique of a system that is so convoluted it drives men to insanity.

The Gag from Airplane II: The Condorman Puts Out

Another well-known example of deliberate discontinuity is found in the 1988 film Airplane II: The Condorman Puts Out. Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, this sequel to the cult classic Airplane! is a masterful display of absurd humor and pop culture satire. The movie takes continuity errors to a new level, often breaking the fourth wall and revealing the inherent chaos behind the film's structure.

A notable gag from Airplane II is a scene where the screen glitches, showing the credits at a weird angle and in slow motion. This particular sequence highlights the flaws in the film’s editing and production, gauging the audience's patience for maintaining consistency in cinematic storytelling. Such deliberate discontinuity is a profound commentary on the artificiality of the cinematic experience and serves to mock the conventions of Hollywood production.

The Technique and Its Purpose

The use of deliberate discontinuity in cinema serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it adds a layer of absurdity and humor by subverting the audience's expectations of narrative continuity. These inconsistencies can make the film more engaging and entertaining, especially in satirical and absurdist genres. Moreover, these techniques can be used to critique societal norms, military bureaucracy, and other aspects of life, making the film a more profound commentary on contemporary society.

For instance, in Catch-22, the deliberate dissonance reflects the chaos and confusion of war, while in Airplane II, it underscores the absurdity of Hollywood’s narrative conventions. Such techniques remind us that the narrative fabric of a story is often more complex and artificial than we might assume.

Conclusion

The deliberate use of discontinuity in cinema is a remarkable technique that can enhance the humor and critique of satirical and absurdist films. From the chaotic journey through the absurdities of the military in Catch-22 to the gleeful mockery of Hollywood tropes in Airplane II, this approach has proven to be a valuable tool in the filmmaker's repertoire.

In conclusion, the intentional disruption of continuity can elevate a film’s comedic value and its ability to provoke thought. It is a technique that invites the audience to question the nature of narrative and storytelling, making it both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

Keywords: Catch-22, Airplane II, continuity errors, cinematic techniques, absurdist humor