Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monty Python's Little Red Riding Hood
Being Monty Python, this version of Red Riding Hood obviously incorporates elements of the absurd - Red Riding Hood is portrayed by a slobbish grown man, the wolf is a small dog in bad costume, and NASA is performing nuclear tests at granny's house. Nonetheless, the story still retains the skeleton of its traditional roots. Red is bringing gifts to granny via a path through the forest, "she" is stopped by the wolf who inquires where she is headed, and the wolf beats her to granny's house.
The skit is funny (well, at least to those who appreciate Monty Python), because it takes a story that is still recognizably familiar, and replaces certain traditional elements with absurd mockeries. The tale of Little Red Riding Hood is nearly universally known, at least in Western culture, and therefore the additions and changes are amusing because of their absurdity compared to the traditional tale.
Furthermore, there is no evidence of sexuality present in this version at all. Red Riding Hood is a (rather ugly) grown man and the wolf is a poor dog that is draped in a wolf costume and drug around the set on a leash. While many mock version of the story rely on over-sexualizing the character or Red Riding Hood, the Monty Python version removes any trace of sexuality from the story and instead relies on random absurdities for humor.
"NASA agreed to limit the number of nuclear tests in granny's little house to two on Thursdays, and one on Saturdays, after tea."
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I also saw this one while looking for videos and decided to comment on your post that already had it. This version is clearly meant merely for a laugh. As you said, Red Riding Hood is not a beautiful girl but a man and the wolf is a little dog with an ill fitting wolf skin. While amusing,this version is pretty far removed from the versions we have read in class.
ReplyDeleteAgain, the sexual aspect is removed and a very different ending was engineered. Granny's house is now NASA's headquarters and the wolf is shot by security. Red Riding Hood never goes through the famous dialog of "Oh what big teeth, etc."
I liked this version, and seeing how it is obviously meant for humor, it's hard to try to assign any sort of symbolism to the new elements. For example, I do not think that the insertion of NASA in Granny's house can somehow be twisted into a parallel for the sexual exploration that goes on in the house in some tales. It does seem though, based on what they choose to empasize, that the version it most likely is pulled from is the Grimm's version; hunstman, no sexuality, wholesome. Overall, a funny skit.
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