Writers and comedians use this concept called ‘dark comedy’ as a tool to discuss issues and provoke discomfort and serious thoughts among the audience. This genre includes certain themes such as violence, human sexuality, disease, death, discrimination, and violence.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or at least it does if you throw it hard enough.”
“Never break someone’s heart, they only have one. Break their bones instead, they have 206 of them.”
When Was the Movie ‘Seven Psychopaths’ Released?
- A. 2010
- B. 2012
- C. 2014
- D. 2016
You must have surely heard of these dark humor jokes at least once in your lifetime. But what actually dark humor is? How are dark comedy jokes born? Let’s discuss everything!
What Is a Black Humor?
Dark humor definition: Black comedy, also referred to as black humor or dark comedy is a style of comedy that makes jokes about concepts that are considered taboo. Certain subjects are usually considered serious and painful to talk about.
History of Black Humor
The term was first coined by theorist André Breton in 1935 while interpreting the writing of Jonathan Swift. Breton wanted to identify the writings of Swift in a subgenre that talks about jokes that come from cynicism and skepticism which often relies on topics such as death.
Movies have helped us get a better understanding of the concept of black comedy. Today, we will discuss the dark humor facts and the top 7 deep and edgy dark comedy movies that we all must watch at least once.
1) Fargo
‘Fargo’, released in 1996 was written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. After a long tiring weekend, if you want to watch a gripping thriller movie that keeps you engaged throughout the day, ‘Fargo’ is the right choice. This movie talks about greed and inferiority. You may not understand the movie completely the first time, but watching it once again helps you understand it better. This is where the movie succeeds. Especially a scene where the kidnappers get stopped by an officer in the middle of the night and the killing scene is thoroughly dark and would give you chills.
2) Parasite
You must definitely be aware of this dark comedy movie ‘Parasite’. The movie premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival in May 2019 and it became the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or. This is one such film that will stay in your mind even after the movie is over. The movie explains about a poor family that has about four members who work for a rich and gullible family. It soon takes them to the “us Vs them” mentality. The subsequent scenes will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. The movie ‘Parasite’ is worth watching in spite of all the hype. No wonder why the movie has won the Best International Film Oscar at the 92nd Academy Awards.
3) Dr. Strangelove
This is one of the best dark comedy films ever made in the film industry. The movie was adapted from a novel called “Red Alert” by Peter George Novel. However, the novel was not a comedy. The movie features Cold War fears of a nuclear conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. The movie Dr. Strangelove was a fearless movie that clearly spoke about a significant threat to national security. It is a must-watch just because of its fearless view of black comedy.
4) A New Leaf
This movie was released in 1971 and was based on a short movie called “A Green Heart”. A New Leaf is one of the most underrated movies of all time. The movie talks about Henry Graham who plans to find a rich bride to repay the money he borrowed from his uncle Harry. He meets Henrietta Lowell, but in the beginning, he only loves her for the money. Eventually, he becomes touched by her care and affection and falls in love with her. If you are at home alone and looking for a beautiful black comedy, you can opt for ‘A New Leaf’.
5) Seven Psychopaths
This was a story of a struggling writer, Marty. In this movie, he struggles hard to finish his screenplay, Seven Psychopaths. Though the movie features hyper-violence, the end of the movie tells us to choose peace as the righteous move. It received positive feedback from critics and is considered one of the best movies of the director Martin McDonagh. This movie keeps the audience engaged throughout the film and is one of the best dark comedy movies of all time.