So I saw The Avengers for the third time this weekend and it was as exciting as the first time around. Did I mention it was also funny? Not only did the director manage to capture the spark of the four main characters perfectly (Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and Hulk) but he also made it so darn hilarious--that almost never happens with a serious superhero flick of this calibur. This was done with the help of the incredible em dash. I'm pretty sure you won't see the device in the script, because scripts tend to "tell" or explain the action to the reader, but if you were to convert that script into prose...(voila!) em dashes abound.
A prime example, and perhaps one of the most infamous, is when Loki shouts to Hulk:
"I am a god you dull creature and I will not be bullied by--"
Before getting his ass SMASHED! LOL. This would not have been half as epic if it weren't for the dialogue, the painful smashing and the em dash that jarred the viewer into the unexpected. And that's it, really: people like little surprises and that's what em dashes do--they incur the unexpected. When done right, of course.
Avengers is a prime example of the em dash done right for comedic effect. Concurrently, it is the only movie where the Hulk doesn't suck. And that's also a beautiful thing.
I saw this movie twice, and I agree about the humour. Joss Whedon did a fabulous job! I also didn't think I would like the Hulk, but he was great. Interesting point about em dashes.
Great point about the em dash and how it played into the fantastic banter between characters. Your example here is just so darned hilarious that every time I think about it, I can't help cracking up.
Aaagreed. The script was much better than I was expecting. Finally got to see some decent smashing. Also, Thor: "You people are so petty. And tiny. *God of Thunder laugh*"
I loved the movie. I am so into Robert Downey's character being so sarcastic. Yeah, I am going to have to watch it again. It was great. But first, I want to watch "Prometheus" again.
9 comments:
I so went and saw this again this weekend too. And the hubs totally pointed out that Loki never gets to finish his sentences, lol.
Ahahaha! So true. :D
I saw this movie twice, and I agree about the humour. Joss Whedon did a fabulous job! I also didn't think I would like the Hulk, but he was great. Interesting point about em dashes.
Allison (Geek Banter)
Great point about the em dash and how it played into the fantastic banter between characters. Your example here is just so darned hilarious that every time I think about it, I can't help cracking up.
I still haven't seen it. I know, I need to get on it.
Aaagreed. The script was much better than I was expecting. Finally got to see some decent smashing. Also, Thor: "You people are so petty. And tiny. *God of Thunder laugh*"
I cannot imagine watching something three times in a row. I’m much more of a reader. But, good for you if you enjoyed it. =)
~Aidyl
I loved the movie. I am so into Robert Downey's character being so sarcastic. Yeah, I am going to have to watch it again. It was great. But first, I want to watch "Prometheus" again.
I went and saw The Avengers for the second time this weekend. Love the movie and especially the Loki/Hulk scene seen here.
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