Introduction
Have you ever watched a movie or a TV show and noticed a character making an obvious comment that acknowledges a plot hole or a cliché? This is known as lampshading, a technique used to address a flaw or a trope in a humorous way. In recent years, lampshading has become increasingly popular in pop culture, particularly in comedies. But where did this technique come from? And how is it used in various forms of media?
The Origins of Lampshading
The term “lampshading” was coined by TV writer and producer Merriwether Williams in the late 1990s. The practice, however, has been around for much longer. One of the earliest uses of lampshading can be traced back to Shakespeare’s plays. In “As You Like It,” for example, the character Jaques breaks the fourth wall to acknowledge the play’s artificiality and the audience’s role in the performance.
In the 20th century, lampshading became more common in film and TV. In his films, director Alfred Hitchcock often used lampshading to address potential plot holes or questions that the audience might have.
Types of Lampshading
Lampshading can take many forms. In some cases, it’s a character acknowledging a cliché or a trope in a humorous way. For example, in the TV show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” one character often makes fun of the “good cop/bad cop” interrogation technique that’s commonly used in police dramas.
In other cases, lampshading is a way to address potential plot holes or inconsistencies. In the movie “The Cabin in the Woods,” for example, there’s a scene where a character suggests that they split up, but another character immediately points out that this is a bad idea and that they should stick together. This acknowledgement of the horror movie trope makes the audience feel like the filmmakers are aware of the genre’s clichés and are actively trying to subvert them.
Another type of lampshading is breaking the fourth wall. This is when a character addresses the audience directly. In the TV show “House of Cards,” for example, the main character frequently speaks to the camera, giving the audience a glimpse into his thoughts and motivations.
The Benefits of Lampshading
Lampshading can be an effective way to engage with the audience and make them feel like they’re in on the joke. It can also be a way to subvert expectations and keep the story fresh and unpredictable.
However, lampshading can also be overused. If a story relies too heavily on acknowledging its flaws or clichés, it can come across as lazy or pretentious. Additionally, lampshading can be a crutch for bad writing. If a story is full of plot holes or inconsistencies, simply acknowledging them isn’t enough. The story still needs to make sense and be satisfying for the audience.
Conclusion
Lampshading is a technique that’s been around for centuries, but has become increasingly popular in recent years. It can be a way to engage with the audience, subvert expectations, and acknowledge flaws or clichés in a humorous way. However, it should be used judiciously and not relied on as a crutch for bad writing. So, next time you watch a movie or a TV show, keep an ear out for any lampshading moments – they might just be the most memorable part of the story.