Introduction The Kentucky Fried Movie
"The Kentucky Fried Movie" is a 1977 American comedy film directed by John Landis, starring George Spangler as KFC Colonel Harland Sanders. The film is a parody of popular movies at the time, with many scenes mimicking famous films like "The French Connection", "The Godfather", and even "2001: A Space Odyssey". Released in 1977, the movie was part of a wave of exploitation films that were popular during this era. Exploitation films often featured sensational titles, provocative content, and were made quickly on low budgets to cash in on current trends. "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is an example of such a film. The movie's title is a play on words referencing the fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), which was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders. The film does not actually have any connection to KFC, but it uses the famous logo and character in its parody. The movie follows a group of characters, including an FBI agent, a hitman, and a group of eccentric friends, as they navigate through various absurd situations. Along the way, they encounter pop culture references, sex, violence, and other outrageous elements that are characteristic of exploitation films.
Plot and Themes The Kentucky Fried Movie
"The Kentucky Fried Movie" is a 1977 comedy film that parodies Blaxploitation films. The plot revolves around Big Bob (John "Buckwheat" Carrington), a street hustler who is hired by a corrupt businessman, Mr. Johnson (Charles Sellier Jr.), to kidnap and sell the owner of a fast food chain, Colonel Harland Sanders. The film is filled with over-the-top violence, sex, and dark humor, which were common elements of Blaxploitation films. The movie also parodies other genres such as spaghetti Westerns, martial arts movies, and even classic American culture like country music. One of the main themes of the movie is the exploitation of African Americans by white people. This theme is evident throughout the film, particularly in the character of Mr. Johnson, who is a ruthless businessman who cares only about making money. The film also critiques American culture, highlighting its superficiality and materialism. Despite its dark themes, "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is often seen as a cult classic due to its outrageous humor and graphic content. It has been praised by many for its bold approach to comedy and its willingness to push boundaries in a way that was not common during the 1970s.
Performance and Direction The Kentucky Fried Movie
"The Kentucky Fried Movie" is a 1977 comedy film directed by John Landis and starring George Wythoff, Jim Neighbors, and Bubba Smith. The movie is known for its humorous take on American culture and society. Acting Performances: * George Wythoff as KFC's Colonel Sanders: He does an excellent job of playing the iconic character from a different perspective. His dry wit and sarcastic humor bring a new layer to the role that audiences may not have seen before. * Jim Neighbors as The Narrator: He has a smooth, deep voice for narration that guides the audience through the story without drawing attention away from it. * Bubba Smith as Big Bob: He brings his signature style of physical comedy and humor to the character of Big Bob. His timing is impeccable, which makes each scene he's in enjoyable. Direction: * John Landis did an excellent job with the direction. The movie has a very clear vision of what it wants to be and stays consistent throughout. * The pacing of the film is well-balanced between humor and action. This helps keep audiences engaged without losing interest. * The camera work and editing are also worth noting as they contribute to the overall feel of the movie, which adds to its charm. Overall, "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is a fun and quirky comedy that has gained cult status over the years. While it may not be for everyone due to its offbeat style, it's definitely worth checking out if you enjoy absurdist humor and campy acting.
Technical Aspects The Kentucky Fried Movie
'The Kentucky Fried Movie' is a 1977 comedy film that parodies various genres, including action movies, horror films, and softcore pornography. Here's a breakdown of its technical aspects: Cinematography: The film was shot on 16mm color film using a mix of static cameras and handheld shots. The cinematographer, Robert C. Jessup, used a variety of camera angles to create a sense of dynamic movement and energy in the film. Some scenes were also shot in black-and-white to enhance their comedic or dramatic impact. Sound Design: The sound design for 'The Kentucky Fried Movie' was handled by John Moroschello, who also did the music composition. The film's score is a mix of original compositions and stock music from various genres, including rock, pop, and classical. The sound effects were often exaggerated or distorted to enhance the comedic effect. Visual Effects: Some of the visual effects in 'The Kentucky Fried Movie' include: 1. Fake gore: The film used rubber and plastic prosthetics to create fake blood and body parts for its gory scenes. 2. Miniature models: Some action sequences, such as a car chase or an explosion, were shot using miniature models rather than live-action footage. 3. Optical effects: The film used optical printing techniques to add special effects, like explosions or fireballs, to the background of shots. Notable Technical Achievements: 1. Fast-motion shooting: In one scene, the filmmakers used fast-motion photography to create a comedic effect by speeding up the action in an action sequence. 2. Slow-motion shooting: Conversely, they also used slow-motion photography for other scenes to emphasize their dramatic or romantic impact. 3. Multi-camera setup: In some cases, multiple cameras were set up simultaneously to capture different angles of a single scene, allowing for more creative editing options. Overall, the technical aspects of 'The Kentucky Fried Movie' were designed to enhance its comedic and satirical goals. While not a groundbreaking film in terms of cinematography or visual effects, it still showcases some innovative techniques that add to its overall humor and charm.
More Details The Kentucky Fried Movie
"The Kentucky Fried Movie" is a 1977 American comedy film written by John Landis, Lou Tolleo, and Jim McGraw. It was produced by Burt G. Silberman and released by United Artists. Cast: * George Wyner as Colonel Sanders * Bill McKinney as General Parker * Jim Dryden as Mr. Davis * Earl Maddox as Deputy Sheriff Johnson * Ken McCallum as Lieutenant Colonel Thomas * Jerry Zucker as himself (cameo) * David Zucker as himself (cameo) Production Companies: * United Artists * Burt G. Silberman Productions Interesting Trivia: 1. The film was originally intended to be a parody of the popular TV show "The Waltons." However, after the producers were unable to secure the rights to use the characters from the show, they decided to create their own story instead. 2. The film features several cameos by real-life people, including Jim Dryden (as Mr. Davis), Jerry Zucker (as himself), and David Zucker (as himself). These cameos are a nod to the tradition of appearing in films as themselves that was popularized by Woody Allen. 3. "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is often credited with helping to create the genre of comedy film parody, which has become incredibly popular over the years. 4. The film's script was written by John Landis, Lou Tolleo, and Jim McGraw. However, after the producers decided to create their own story instead of using "The Waltons," Landis and Tolleo left the project and were replaced by McGraw. 5. In addition to its parodies of popular TV shows and movies, "The Kentucky Fried Movie" also features several musical numbers and dance routines. The film's score was composed by Carl Zittrer, who is known for his work on many other films and TV shows.
Conclusion The Kentucky Fried Movie
Here's my take on 'The Kentucky Fried Movie': **Conclusion** "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is an unusual blend of comedy, parody, and social commentary that defies easy categorization. On one hand, it's a clever spoof of various genres, from blaxploitation films to Kung Fu movies, which is sure to delight fans of irreverent humor. The film also boasts impressive production values, with convincing sets and costumes that add to its retro charm. On the other hand, the movie suffers from pacing issues and an overwhelming abundance of crude humor, which can be off-putting for some viewers. Additionally, the plot is somewhat disjointed and meandering, making it difficult to follow at times. Despite these flaws, "The Kentucky Fried Movie" remains a cult classic worth watching for its sheer audacity and irreverence. The film's willingness to push boundaries and challenge social norms makes it a unique and memorable experience. If you're a fan of outrageous comedy or enjoy watching over-the-top parodies, then this movie is definitely worth checking out. **Final Opinion** Overall, "The Kentucky Fried Movie" is an entertaining but imperfect work that is sure to leave viewers laughing and cringing in equal measure. While it may not be for everyone due to its raw humor and lack of cohesion, it's a must-see for fans of irreverent comedy and those who appreciate its unique blend of satire and social commentary.