References Page 2

Quote: Seefacts @ November 24 2008, 3:41 PM GMT

Watching the Spaced DVD with the option of reference-o-meter switched on shows just how many geeky things they threw into the show. I didn't spot half of them, so I didn't care.

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Fair enough - Its one of those stylistic things that draws in some, alienates others and leaves the rest indifferent. I've never been a fan of out and out slapstick, and I know a few people who hate sketch shows. Personally I think they're crazy, but its all about finding your audience I guess.

Quote: Griff @ November 24 2008, 3:45 PM GMT

*ineducable

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*thick

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 24 2008, 3:11 PM GMT

How do people feel about using cultural references? I suppose they're fine if they're used so that even if you don't get them it doesn't deter from the plot or the funny? (like Simon Pegg often does).

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I was discussing the cultural/contemporary reference point with a friend re Fawlty Towers a few years ago. Throughout the whole two series we counted something like 2 or 3 such points, and without trying to find our notes (yes, I really am that sad that I made notes), I think all were to pretty famous actors, so always going to be reasonably well understood. That'd be the kind of benchmark for me. And the total binary opposite of Spaced...

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 24 2008, 3:11 PM GMT

Do you knwo what it's referring to?

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No.

Quote: chipolata @ November 24 2008, 3:17 PM GMT

Generally, I think references can date a show. A smattering is nice, but too many and it feels like you need a key to fully enjoy the show. You start feeling excluded.

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Prezunctly.

Yes it was Poltergeist. I forgot to add that the child would have an American accent.

I think the film has been on TV more recently than 20 years ago.

The gag is part of a series of gags that happen to a main character. Maybe I should try and add another Poltergeist reference. Like the child has a clown doll and (it appears in the main character's imagination) the clown's head spins around - or whatever.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 24 2008, 3:59 PM GMT

I think the film has been on TV more recently than 20 years ago.

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Definitely. But it's still been a while. Surely the horror films to reference nowadays are the Saw movies and other so-called torture-porn.

Room for both I reckon.

Quote: chipolata @ November 24 2008, 4:06 PM GMT

Definitely. But it's still been a while. Surely the horror films to reference nowadays are the Saw movies and other so-called torture-porn.

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The reference is used because the main character is having irrational thoughts that the place they're in is haunted - not that's they're going to have all their toes removed with a junior hacksaw and fed them, one by one

I'm not sure a reference is irrelevant because of the date of the film. People still reference Casablanca,etc. Look at Shaun of the Dead - how old were the zombie films it's spoofing?

Quote: zooo @ November 24 2008, 4:13 PM GMT

Room for both I reckon.

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No.

No DVDA?

Come on people...Theeeerrrrreee heeeeerrrreee.

That's up there with "need a bigger boat" and "you're a little short for a stormtropper"

Now going to get Spaced as never seen it but sounds my cup of tea

Quote: Lee Henman @ November 24 2008, 3:31 PM GMT

Poltergeist. It's a gag that only people in their thirties or over would probably get.

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I got it, and I'm still in my twenties Sir!

Quote: Aaron @ November 24 2008, 3:57 PM GMT

No.

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*Faints in shock*

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 24 2008, 4:16 PM GMT

Look at Shaun of the Dead - how old were the zombie films it's spoofing?

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Agree....my 8 year old says "I feel the need, the need for speed" whenever he thinks I'm driving too slow!

And just watched tropic thunder which ripped into 20 year old 'Nam movies for comedy.

Does "they're here" not stand on its own anyway (if said in a creepy voice)?

Personally I wouldnt worry about the age of the film, more the popularity. Alluding to something like Pulp Fiction is usually a safe bet, whereas something like Day of the Triffids (painfully overlooked in my opinion) can be hit or miss. Shame. I'll get it in one day though...

Quote: Pete @ November 24 2008, 4:21 PM GMT

Come on people...Theeeerrrrreee heeeeerrrreee.

That's up there with "need a bigger boat" and "you're a little short for a stormtropper"

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I think it's cos it's such a short quote, 'They're here' must have been said in a billion films.

'We're gonna need a bigger boat', is much more obvious.

Quote: Jo Eden @ November 24 2008, 4:25 PM GMT

Personally I wouldnt worry about the age of the film, more the popularity. Alluding to something like Pulp Fiction is usually a safe bet, whereas something like Day of the Triffids (painfully overlooked in my opinion) can be hit or miss. Shame. I'll get it in one day though...

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hmmmm...better remove my references to Tripods and Manimal then

Quote: zooo @ November 24 2008, 4:25 PM GMT

I think it's cos it's such a short quote, 'They're here' must have been said in a billion films.

'We're gonna need a bigger boat', is much more obvious.

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Ah, but it's the way the girl in the film, and those imitating it, say 'They're here . . .' that's the thing, you see.