Little Miss Sunshine- Dark Humour, Obsession and the American Dream

This article written by Yasemin Kaplanbasoglu which appeared in a 2010 edition of Media Magazine considers how hard hitting indie comedy film such as, Little Miss Sunshine can have an impact both socially and politically.

Key points, which are raised in this article, include:

• The impact independent films have on society and the industry
• How independent films (particularly Little Miss Sunshine) are used to help depict serious issues in society alongside comedic aspects.
• Independent films encourage people to express themselves politically and socially through film

The article firstly sets out how the film explores American society and westernised taboos by using themes of dark humour and obsession masked by comedy. Kaplanbasoglu discusses how the film looks into taboo subjects such as sex, drugs and money as part of the American culture.

This scene in particular from the movie supports the articles point that many of the characters especially Grandpa are obsessed with interests such as sex, drugs and women. The article goes on to assert that the movie is putting across the message that, 'obsession is dangerous and irresponsible to both yourself and America's reputation'. This is proved correct as the character of Grandpa later goes on to die from a drug overdose. Here, the theme of death is looked into, however intertwined with a comedy aspect as his corpse is hauled out of the hospital window. Further proving the point that, 'comedy balances the film's hard hitting reflection of a corrupt reality.' Personally I agree that humour is used in a way to help mask the issues particular regarding the American way of life and how generally are obsessed with achieving. This is particular made apparent through the portrayal of Olive as the article says, 'the dramatic contrast between her character and her dream leaves the audience questioning whether her goal is plausible.' I believe that this is a way of showing how people how so consumed by the idea of the American Dream however alongside the wit and humour and film manages to somewhat make the most controversial issues bearable and often relatable.

The article also makes the point whether challenging ideas not just from the movie but other movies alike have an influence on society. The suggestion in which the article makes is to whether the impact is negative or positive using the film Juno as an example. According to the article it has been alleged that Juno encouraged teenage pregnancy to the point where 17 teenage girls fell pregnant. If this can be justified it therefore clearly shows how more relatable movies where real like situations are tackled can be influential

Kaplanbasoglu states that she believes, 'films in general may impact on individuals words and behaviours, independent films influence people to resolve issues more than make them worse.' I agree with this statement made in the article as I think by using real life situations and events that the audience are actually going through (such as the events in independent 'indie' films, Little Miss Sunshine and Juno) will help the viewer ultimately make the most realistic decision as the story lines home in on what would actually happen in real life and are not as fabricated as blockbuster Hollywood films.

Another key point the article looks at is how films such as Little Miss Sunshine have an impact on the film industry. The article uses figures in order to help prove that the impact is of a large scale with the film raining in $10.5 million at Sundance film festival. Due to a larger target audience the article highlights how controversial issues such as, 'teenage pregnancy, abortion and gender roles' added with humour encourages people to embrace a more open attitude towards such issues. I believe that due to this the industry will become more accepting of serious issues however due to many of these independent films using comedy in order to mask taboo subjects the reality of the situation may be looked upon differently and more light hearted that it initially should be.

The article also point out how the likes of Little Miss Sunshine has helped pave the way for other indie films and catapulted the careers of directors such as Slumdog Millionaires, Danny Boyle. The article goes to prove that the 'new and exciting culture' of indie films has evidentially spread worldwide and has a heavy influence on other film industries. Due to global success many mainstream film fans are encouraged to express themselves more politically and socially through film. As the article states independent films are focused on, 'expressing art' rather than money.