Movies and genres that tend to take themselves very seriously tend to be the best targets of satire. Generally, the more a movie or genre tries to avoid humor, the riper it is for making fun of. [1] X Research source Genre movies are those with similar plots – any type of movie you’ve seen 10 versions of, like slasher films, romantic comedies, sports films, etc.
Recurring character types: Is the cast usually a variation on the same 3 characters? If so, you’ll need to include parody versions of them, too. Common cliches and story arcs: Are their plot moments, lines, or shots that every single movie has in common? How can you subvert them to make them funny? Themes or issues of the genre: What does the movie seem to address? Is it over-the-top action and adrenaline in cop movies (spoofed in The Other Guys), or self-righteous documentaries (spoofed in the series Documentary Now!").
Having the characters acknowledge the issue or problem, or have one character in particular who jokes about the plot hole (like the stoner in House in the Woods). “Forcing” the plot on the characters, for example, the character accidentally becomes the classic hero or saves the day, despite trying not to be involved (or not trying at all). Resolve the plot holes in a ridiculous way (Blazing Saddles does this with great skill), or simply cut to the aftermath of the big moment without explaining how everyone made it through, like Anchorman’s quick turnaround on Will Ferrell cleaning up and putting on a fresh suit in under two seconds.
Inverted characters are always a great spoof tactic– from bumbling “expert” cops in The Naked Gun to the intelligent, kickass sidekick in The Green Hornet remake.
Sean of the Dead begins the film with a zombie-like walk to and from work, then repeats the same shot after a zombie infestation occurs. The main character doesn’t notice anything different the second time, a comical moment that reinforces the idea that we’re all zombies sometimes – an important theme that plays out up until the very ending. Austin Powers follows a typical spy plot, but its longevity comes from its recognition of what makes the spy movies so fun – traveling the globe, crazy fashion and gadgets, and lots of beautiful women.
The straight man can be a parody as well, and it is usually best when they are – the main character of Airplane! is a war pilot coming back to face “calm” normal life as a civilian pilot. But, if you’ve seen any disaster movie ever, you know it won’t be so easy. [3] X Research source
Use your references to add a layer of humor, not to supply all the jokes. Check Austin Powers, for example. Dr. Evil is a great parody of common spy villains, but things like his relationship with his less-evil son transcend parody to become great family comedy in any movie. This makes the son’s turn towards evil even funnier later on, as the parody aspects come full circle. One of the funniest scenes in Will Ferrel’s telenovela parody Casa de Mi Padre is a take on the cowboy singalong, but as the musical continues it veers into wildly different, and hilarious, new territory based on the image of them all singing. [4] X Research source
Not all movies have an easily discernible visual style, but they all have common pieces. While romantic comedies are shot in a straightforward manner, you definitely need a “happy music” montage of the couple falling in love. The other idea is to go as far from the actual movie as possible, shooting instead in a comically different location, like the aforementioned ending of The Holy Grail.
Use these characters as baselines, especially for big moments. Instead of starting from scratch on a rakish, sleazy pirate ship captain, you can say “act like Han Solo, but way creepier and more flirty. "
Check Leslie Nielsen, star of famous spoofs from “Airplane!” to “The Naked Gun” for a masterclass in straight-faced comedy.
Adjust and play with your props. Making a fantasy-spoof? Try changing the emblems on the shields or coat-of-arms to something ridiculous or funny. Don’t be afraid to “steal” famous shots and do something funny with them. “Airplane!” begins with the plane cutting through the clouds set to the music from Jaws, re-creating the shot in a new light. [5] X Research source
While any movie in this article could fit this step, Sean of the Dead is a particularly good example. It actually owns up the horror elements in a few key scenes, playing like a traditional zombie movie, which leads to an enormously funny and satisfying payoff in the end. [6] X Research source
Most spoofs are on the shorter end, usually 90-100 minutes, as there is always a danger of the movie overstaying its welcome if it doesn’t have anything original to say.
