Incongruity Theory Bridesmaids

In Bridesmaids, we can see some examples of all the theories we have discussed, including Superiority theory, release/relief theory, Bergson’s theory of humor, play theory and incongruity theory. In superiority theory, humor is based on apprehension of our superiority over others. A person’s inferiority may be determined by deficiencies in knowledge or sense, deficiencies in appearance or manner, deficiencies in competency or agency, deficiencies in character, or deficiencies in circumstance. For example, we may consider Annie to have a deficiency in appearance or manner when she does not know how to act at social settings such as the country club or at Helen’s house. We could also consider Lillian to have a deficiency in circumstance as almost all of the events

This theory does not apply as well to Bridesmaids, as the conflict in this film (either verbal or physical) is often has harm intended. For example, Annie and Helen intended aggression during the tennis match, or when Annie and Lillian fight at the bridal shower they are not just fighting “for fun.” Incongruity theory states that something is funny because it is incongruous - there is a striking discrepancy between a stimulus and the habitual cognitive schemas pertaining to it, and that we laugh at curious and surprising anomalies. This theory also does not apply well to the gags in Bridesmaids as many of the jokes were setup in a way that you would expect something humorous to happen. For example, during the airplane scene, Annie’s crazy behavior can be somewhat predicted as the scene sets up how she takes pills and has alcohol. Similarly, when Lillian shows Annie her wedding dress, the audience may not be surprised as Lillian had reacted negatively to Annie saying she should get dressed before she emerges in her wedding