Seinfeld, like any great source of entertainment, requires from its audience a suspension of disbelief. While the show isn’t rife with fantastical creatures and diabolic terrorist plots, it is unquestionably ridiculous, thus prompting the audience to just imagine a world where the most deplorable social crimes go unpunished. Yet as over the top as Seinfeld may seem, you slowly begin to realize that it’s not all too far fetched. The genius in Seinfeld lies in its ability to sneak up on you. Whether you’re at the office, stuck in traffic, or waiting in line at the deli, you begin to pick up on societies social quirks like a seasoned anthropologist. Seinfeld teaches us that life is weird, man, and while the suspension of disbelief is required,
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The very neutrality of its design and camerawork helped make the viewer feel part of Seinfeld’s world (6). Adding to this feeling of connectivity is the very cast of characters themselves. Larry David’s notorious “no learning, no hugging” methodology remained constant in the actions of the principle cast, highlighting the fact that friendship doesn’t always require tenderness and compassion. George, Elaine, Jerry, and Kramer are engaged in a friendship held together by a complete lack of empathy. By refusing to be romantic, Seinfeld enabled itself to become a comedy of manners (39). This narrative route allowed the show to focus on life’s minute details, giving testament to its iconic “show about nothing” mantra that propelled the show to Godlike …show more content…
Whether it’s someone as pure and kindly as Babu or someone crueler like the Soup Nazi, at the end of the day, Seinfeldland will claim another victim. It doesn’t care. It’s a ruthless savage and a gymnasium of irritation (56) on levels once thought to be unreachable by the mortal hands of man. By the end of the series, with their number of victims in the thousands, New York’s four arbiters of irritation and violators of all things tasteful and appropriate are finally brought to justice for their crimes against humanity. As witness after witness is called to the stand to testify against our anti-heroes, we laugh as we call into question the very basis behind their friendships. Unlike traditional friendships, where mutual feelings toward music or politics can bind friends together, in the disorder of Seinfeldland, the glue holding these four scoundrels together is bad
The very neutrality of its design and camerawork helped make the viewer feel part of Seinfeld’s world (6). Adding to this feeling of connectivity is the very cast of characters themselves. Larry David’s notorious “no learning, no hugging” methodology remained constant in the actions of the principle cast, highlighting the fact that friendship doesn’t always require tenderness and compassion. George, Elaine, Jerry, and Kramer are engaged in a friendship held together by a complete lack of empathy. By refusing to be romantic, Seinfeld enabled itself to become a comedy of manners (39). This narrative route allowed the show to focus on life’s minute details, giving testament to its iconic “show about nothing” mantra that propelled the show to Godlike …show more content…
Whether it’s someone as pure and kindly as Babu or someone crueler like the Soup Nazi, at the end of the day, Seinfeldland will claim another victim. It doesn’t care. It’s a ruthless savage and a gymnasium of irritation (56) on levels once thought to be unreachable by the mortal hands of man. By the end of the series, with their number of victims in the thousands, New York’s four arbiters of irritation and violators of all things tasteful and appropriate are finally brought to justice for their crimes against humanity. As witness after witness is called to the stand to testify against our anti-heroes, we laugh as we call into question the very basis behind their friendships. Unlike traditional friendships, where mutual feelings toward music or politics can bind friends together, in the disorder of Seinfeldland, the glue holding these four scoundrels together is bad