The first of the three main theories of humor is the superiority theory. This theory can be basically understood by saying, “X is funny because it prompts apprehension of our superiority over others;” in other words, we laugh at something because we feel that we would handle the situation better.
In Kingpin, the superiority theory explains moments of humor occurring when we – the audience - feel superior to Roy and Ishmael. When we see Roy after the destruction of his bowling career, we laugh at his inability to preform simple tasks. Particularly, when Roy pulls up to Lancaster Bowl, he has a series of mishaps that are humor because we feel as if we would not have handled the situation so poorly.
Within a thirty second span, Roy manages to …show more content…
Because our pre-established conceptions are subverted, we are shocked and taken aback; therefore, we find the situation funny
But arguably, the best example of humor based on the incongruity theory in Kingpin occurs when Thomas comes to get Ishmael from the Reno Open. Thomas shows up and tells Ishmael that he is coming home right at the climax of the movie. Our preconceived notion tells us that, because this is what Roy and Ishmael have been working towards the entire movie, Ishmael will stay. Conforming to traditional standards Ishmael replies, “I can’t go home now. This is the 10th frame. If he makes this, he’s going to make a million dollars and save the farm. I have half a beer left. There’s no way I’m going home. Over my dead body.”
However, Thomas repeats himself again and Ishmael simply responds “Okay,” and walks out. We find this funny not only because it goes against or preconceived notions, but also because it goes against what Ishmael just finished saying. By having Ishmael iterate our default assumption, it is even more shocking when Ishmael goes against
In Kingpin, the superiority theory explains moments of humor occurring when we – the audience - feel superior to Roy and Ishmael. When we see Roy after the destruction of his bowling career, we laugh at his inability to preform simple tasks. Particularly, when Roy pulls up to Lancaster Bowl, he has a series of mishaps that are humor because we feel as if we would not have handled the situation so poorly.
Within a thirty second span, Roy manages to …show more content…
Because our pre-established conceptions are subverted, we are shocked and taken aback; therefore, we find the situation funny
But arguably, the best example of humor based on the incongruity theory in Kingpin occurs when Thomas comes to get Ishmael from the Reno Open. Thomas shows up and tells Ishmael that he is coming home right at the climax of the movie. Our preconceived notion tells us that, because this is what Roy and Ishmael have been working towards the entire movie, Ishmael will stay. Conforming to traditional standards Ishmael replies, “I can’t go home now. This is the 10th frame. If he makes this, he’s going to make a million dollars and save the farm. I have half a beer left. There’s no way I’m going home. Over my dead body.”
However, Thomas repeats himself again and Ishmael simply responds “Okay,” and walks out. We find this funny not only because it goes against or preconceived notions, but also because it goes against what Ishmael just finished saying. By having Ishmael iterate our default assumption, it is even more shocking when Ishmael goes against