Thursday, November 6, 2014

Five Reasons 'Don't Hug Me I'm Scared 3' is good

For those of you not in the know, watch these three videos (or just the ones you haven't seen).






These videos are some of my favorites on the internet: I was part of the Kickstarter for #3 (and future sequels). So far #3, LOVE is getting the least love. But upon repeated viewings it's actually very good. Here's what you may have missed...

5. It waits.

Unlike parts 1 and 2, it waits till almost the end to hit you with unsettling imagery. The audience expects it by now, and the creators know that. There are plenty of hints (Love-Bug's giggle and "Harder!" especially), but it doesn't blow up early. Very smart!

4. Stylistic updates

The puppets are basically the same as before, but the animation has come forward by leaps and bounds. From the bleak despair of Michael to the rainbow flight at the beginning, the production values have fairly soared.

Granted, 100k+ pounds helps.

3. Fandom nods

Some of the fans of the first two Don't Hug Me I'm Scared videos have put the notebook and the clock into a relationship.

The creators have caught wind of this: during the mass marriage section of #3, we can see the notepad and clock, apparently getting hitched.


I love that this is both a nod to the rabid fandom AND a jab, as this is during a dream sequence, AKA never gonna happen.

2. Cults

It's no secret this video is an allegory for cults and their ways. We get brainwashing, Yellow guy constantly told he loving wrong and that he's confused, suspiciously happy people, sexual undertones ("Harder!") and creepy robes and chanting. The best part is, like most cults, you never see it coming.

1. Hetero normative agenda

The way love is described is in keeping with how heterosexual relationships 'traditionally' progress: soul mates finding each other and sealing the relationship with a ring. "That's the way it's always been!"

It's a commentary on how culture generally emphasizes this path as the one and only way to find love. You have a soul mate of the opposite gender that you will find, love, and marry. End of story.

And, as most of you know, that's not how love goes. Yet Hollywood/the media/the government/any number of religions and or cults still give us this as our only option.

Think about that the next time you stumble on a mind-bending puppet show.

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