Film & TV The Office

[spoons]

Do any of you watch this show (American/British)? I borrowed the season 1 & 2 DVDs from a friend and the BBC version blows NBC's pale imitation to bits. The Eric Hitchmoe comedy bits in the season 2 premiere are cake!

anyways, here's a little article I wrote for my blog if anyone cares...


I've never understood why American TV can't capture the humor and mood of British comedies. Many successful British shows have been remade for the American market, when instead they should release them in their original format. What is it with US TV networks?

A prime example is the remake of BBC America's original smash-hit comedy 'The Office'. Winner of 2 Golden Globe Awards, 'The Office' chronicles the daily lives of David Brent (Ricky Gervais) and his staff. Constantly craving the affection of his staff, Brent is a smug middle manger who is convinced that he is the greatest boss of all time. His staff includes an army-obsessed office creep, a smart under-achiever, and a bored but sweet receptionist who is the tolerant butt of sexist quips.

NBC's remake of 'The Office' is best on par of a copying machine that is just about to give out. Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is simply not as good as David Brent. Comparing the two; both men are cooked-up clods with a 'nearly flawless ability to behave with stupefying insensitivity even when, say, delivering a lecture about sensitivity' however Brent addresses such situations with childish irony, whereas Scott starts over the top and stays there.

If it wasn't for Dwight Schrute's (Rainn Wilson) dimwittedness, arrogance, and power trips, NBC's 'Office' would be nothing more but mere rubbish.

Related Link: BBC - The Office

 

[Illuminattile]

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but here in the UK The Office was HUGE. It catipulted Ricky Gervais to the forefront of British comedy. I saw some clips of the American version and, although it wasn't half as good, it wasn't as bad as a lot of people (myself included) expected.

I don't know why the Americans felt the need to remake the show. Why not just show the British version? It's not as if America is devoid of brilliant comedy shows of its own (Curb Your Enthusiasm).

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

The British show is one of the best ever made - hands down.

Stopping the show when he did meant that Gervais has ensured that The Office remains a flawless piece of work.

I don't know why Americans can't grasp "British humour". It's just humour at the end of the day &, while some references may be lost on them, anybody with half a brain can understand humour - it has the ability to transcend languages & cultures. (apparently not always though). We understand American humour without a problem but then again, it is usually quite simple & the "branier" US comedies usually parallel British comedy a bit more.

Anyways, the thing is Ricky Gervais was The Office. He was the man behind the camera & the man in front of it. You take him away & you merely have a TV show. Altough his stand-up routine is funny, there is something about the character David Brent that allows Gervais to become a genius.

To replace the character & actor is to settle for much less than what the show deserves.

 

[stefanwzyga]

Yep i agree the office is pure class.

 

[2PacThug4Life]

you mean tha show that just premiered on NBC, and has had like 5 episodes. if you are talkin about that show then i like it.

 

[stefanwzyga]

you mean tha show that just premiered on NBC, and has had like 5 episodes. if you are talkin about that show then i like it.

Yeah your probally talking about the american version, fuck that try an get a hold of the original uk version, you will fucin love it, well if you get british humour you will.