If you’re a fan of dark comedies, then you may have heard of the movie “Manson Family Vacation”. However, there has been some debate among viewers as to whether this film truly falls under the category of comedy or not.
The Premise
“Manson Family Vacation” follows the story of two brothers, Nick and Conrad, who couldn’t be more different from each other. Nick is a successful lawyer living in Los Angeles while Conrad is a free spirit who’s obsessed with Charles Manson and his infamous cult. When Conrad visits Nick for a few days, he convinces him to take a road trip to visit all the sites related to Manson’s crimes.
Elements of Comedy
Despite its dark subject matter, “Manson Family Vacation” contains several elements that can be considered comedic. For starters, the relationship between Nick and Conrad is filled with plenty of awkward moments and clashes due to their vastly different personalities. This creates plenty of opportunities for humor.
Additionally, the character of Conrad himself is often played for laughs due to his eccentricities and obsession with Manson. His actions and dialogue often come across as absurd and over-the-top, which can be entertaining for viewers.
There are also several scenes that contain witty banter and clever one-liners that add to the overall comedic tone of the film.
- Example 1: In one scene, Conrad tells Nick that he wants to scatter his ashes at Spahn Ranch (where Manson and his followers used to live). Nick responds with “You want me to drive all the way out there just so you can haunt some hippies?
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- Example 2: When Conrad is trying to convince Nick to go on the road trip with him, he says “This could be our ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’ except instead of getting home for Thanksgiving, we’re gonna visit the sites of some of the most notorious murders in American history. “
Debate Among Viewers
Despite these elements of comedy, there are still many viewers who argue that “Manson Family Vacation” is not a true comedy. They point to the fact that the subject matter (Charles Manson and his crimes) is simply too dark and disturbing to be considered comedic.
Others argue that while the film may contain comedic moments, it’s ultimately a drama. They point to the emotional depth of the characters and themes explored in the movie (such as family dynamics and the consequences of obsession).
Conclusion
So, is “Manson Family Vacation” a comedy? The answer ultimately comes down to personal interpretation. While there are certainly comedic elements present in the film, it’s also understandable why some viewers may not consider it a true comedy due to its dark subject matter.
However, regardless of how one categorizes it, “Manson Family Vacation” is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that’s definitely worth a watch for fans of indie films and dark comedies alike.