Dark Comedy Classic: The Producers

At NSSC, Northfield Location: 

Reid Schultz, Filmmaker, Columbia College faculty

Dark comedy films present, in a humorous manner, topics and events that are usually regarded as taboo and treated seriously. Viewer laugh at the pain and wickedness of life, yet may feel a little ashamed for laughing. A dark comedy film will be screened, and the analysis and discussions will explore the notion of humor and why something is funny. Films contain provocative material intended for audiences who are not too sensitive to adult themes and content.

Directed by Mel Brooks, 1967, 90 min.

The Producers is a blistering assault on the dubious ethics at work on Broadway and in the film industry. The film's unique mixture of freewheeling style, sight and sound gags, and old fashioned vaudeville routines made it a lightning rod for controversy. While some relish the film's irreverent humor, others say the film overstepped the line of decency with its tasteless jokes and humor. Either way, its anarchic comic approach set the tone for future comedy films and made superstars out of its lead actors Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder.

Pre-registration is recommended.  To register, call 847-784-6030 or stop by NSSC today!  Web site:  www.nssc.org

Wednesday, 8/6, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

$12 member; $15 non-member           NF7642A