MovieChat Forums > The House of Mirth (2000) Discussion > Worst comedy I've ever seen.

Worst comedy I've ever seen.

posted 16 years ago by BloatedLilConner
10 replies | jump to latest

I went into this film expecting a farcical romp along the lines of Mel Brooks' classic comedy offerings, as the title suggested. I was sorely disappointed. Turns out the title is misleading, as this movie is not funny at all. I understand that some people have a much dryer wit than I do, but really. There have to be limits. All the jokes just fell flat. And the story wasn't very farcical at all, at times it was just plain depressing! This movie fails as a comedy on every single level.

House of Mirth? More like "House of cinematic afterbirth".

[–] BofferBings 16 years ago

I know you wanted to appear funny, but the "Let me provoke posters and see how many will fall for my attempt at satire" genre is so 2007, you know. ;)

[–] BloatedLilConner 16 years ago

I understand what you're saying, but it seems to me that given the circumstances of the context of my opinion, given your reaction, is still not entirely cemented in it's meaning if you know what I mean. All I'm trying to say is that the movie, while comedy or drama or whatever, considering the perspective of the audience is just, that, y'know?

[–] BofferBings 16 years ago

No offense, Bloated, but your addendum is as pointless as the original post.

[–] fsf1922 16 years ago

Haven't you ever heard of Edith Wharton's book 'The House of Mirth?' It's a tragedy and it would then make sense that the movie would also be a tragedy.

[–] catherinefeuille 16 years ago

"The House of Mirth" is an amazing novel. ANd yes, it is a TRAGEDY. I've never seen the movie, but I doubt it is able to do justice to Wharton's genius. I hope I'm wrong, though

[–] theninthgate 16 years ago

The movie is definitely worth watching: an interesting case of one genius's take on the work of another genius.

[–] deeveed 16 years ago

And a thought for the day...From Ecclesiastes..

"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth"

[–] jolypm 16 years ago

Stupid one! It's not even a comedy! It's one of the most tragic woman story I have ever seen on screen. It depicts all the terrible views of an inhuman society toward women! At last, a period costume movie that is not sugarsweet Romance but dares to say what was EXACTLY 'le sort des femmes à cette époque!' And it is beautifully told. Gillian Anderson is excellent and she reminded me of Eleanor Parker.

[–] samanthaseaotter 15 years ago

How could someone with access to IMDB go into a movie without even inquiring about it? I agree...just because "Mirth" is in the title, it doesn't mean it will be funny.

Samantha
"We're here. We're dead. Get used to it."

[–] uptowngirl322 15 years ago

Is this a joke, or are you actually this, to be polite, uninformed?

The title of the novel comes from Ecclesiastes: "the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."

A movie or novel is not a comedy simply because it has the word "mirth" in it.