The Fool Triumphant

Many stories feature some kind of underdog in the beginning. This is a standard approach to a Protagonist. They may be very capable and bright, but have a lower status or disadvantage of some kind. This helps make them relatable and helps people root for them to win. Most mainstream movies, at least, and many books will have this kind of underdog in the lead role.

But there's a particular brand of this kind of story that will feature a lead who's more than a standard underdog - he's a bumbling idiot, and very low status. A lot of movies featuring SNL cast members were this kind of story. Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Mike Myers and so on started in movies like this (some, like Will Ferrell, are beating it into the ground. I guess it's working for him!).

This is the dunce, idiot comedy hero with a heart of gold, who is less capable than normal people. Naive and stupid.

But they have a purity of heart that makes them BETTER, in a way, than the normal people around them.

And since this is usually a comedy Protagonist, they usually win the day in the end and possibly even transform the other characters around them into kinder, gentler human beings.

Everything from Wayne's World to Tommy Boy, from the 40 year old Virgin to Forrest Gump, Peter Sellers' Being There, Big, This is Spinal Tap, Private Parts, Bowfinger and so on fit into this genre. It also includes the updated 90's versions of The Addams Family and The Brady Bunch. It's a very handy genre for comedy. Now that I think about it, it's a very 90's kind of genre. I would put the Muppets in this category as well. Those sweet little felt critters.

What do you think of the Fool Triumphant genre? Heart warming and fun, or moronic drivel?

Have a great one, you magnificent fools!

-Banes