Homework 1 - analysis of comedy clip

The Muppet Movie is primarily a comedy. In this clip, Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear sing a humorous song whilst on a journey to Hollywood, where they hope to become stars. There are sight gags (A literal fork in the road) and comedic dialouge sung or spoken, primarilly by Fozzie ("Aah.. a bear in his natural habitat...A Studebreaker")

The film's characters reflect Propp's conventions...
Prince: Kermit the Frog
Princess: Miss Piggy
Villain: Doc Hopper
The Helper: Fozzie Bear (And the rest of the Muppets)
The Donor: Dr. Bunsen Honeydew

The plot reflects Todrov's narrative theory...
Equilibrium: Kermit lives a simple life in a swamp, but dreams of making it big (Reflected by the "Rainbow Connection" song)

Disruption: A talent agent recommends that Kermit persue a career in Hollywood. He sets off on the journey there, meeting the other Muppets along the way, whilst being pursued by Doc Hopper, the owner of a frog-leg restaurant chain who will do anything to have Kermit as his spokesperson.

Restoration: The Muppets arrive in Hollywood after a western-style showdown between Kernit and Hopper, Which Kermit wins after Animal, turned into a giant by one of Dr. Honeydew's inventions, scares off Hopper.A Studio executive hires them to make a movie based on their experience.It is a success, and they become famous.

The film has a fairly conventional storyline,but, as part of it's humour, breaks the fourth wall using meta-references. For example, Kermit and Fozzie give the script to another Muppet, who uses it to help them when they get lost in the desert. This is common nowadays in the genre, but was relatively fresh and unique when the film was released in 1979. It was also the first to feature humans and puppets interacting at real-life locations.

Though the narrative is conventional, the use of The Muppets and the distinctive humour help it stand out, and The fact that the Muppets aren't exactly typical stock characters (Miss Piggy is an expert at karate, and able to defend herself a lot better then most princesses)allows the movie to be both familiar (The Muppets were already popular when this was released) and unique, ensuring the movie's success and longevity.