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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"Whimsy"

83 replies

User09678 · 17/01/2025 08:41

Aibu to have a real aversion to the trend for "whimsy" in current films and TV series? I find it baffling, not funny, I can't suspend disbelief when I'm watching violent scenes interspersed with whatever this new thing is. It leaves me constantly having to shift mental gears to try and understand what's going on and is very unnatural. It might just me. Is it? Am I too old and grumpy now? I'm not sure how I'm meant to be taking it. I probably am being unreasonable. Maybe it always existed and I just notice it now.

OP posts:
Plastictrees · 17/01/2025 19:34

OneMoreCoconut · 17/01/2025 19:20

Like the film Poor Things? That sort of whimsy? I loved that film!

Me too!

NeelyOHara1 · 17/01/2025 19:30

Is it like opera music being used as background for Mafia malevolence?

OneMoreCoconut · 17/01/2025 19:20

Like the film Poor Things? That sort of whimsy? I loved that film!

TMGM · 17/01/2025 19:00

User09678 · 17/01/2025 17:44

Oh. Yes you're right. Well the second one did! And another person on this thread. Maybe two?

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If you want more responses wouldn’t it be better to just offer an example to clarify what you mean for those of us that aren’t quite up to speed?

DappledThings · 17/01/2025 18:33

Plastictrees · 17/01/2025 17:01

So do I, I’m beginning to think I misunderstood the thread. But I’m not sure if anyone understands what the OP is asking!

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Me also. I only suggested Black Doves as it was the only thing I could think off that mixed light heartenedness with violence which in her brief and vague OP she did mention.

No idea of it is the sort of thing she was actually thinking off though.

KrisAkabusi · 17/01/2025 17:51

User09678 · 17/01/2025 17:44

Oh. Yes you're right. Well the second one did! And another person on this thread. Maybe two?

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Well, maybe you could answer one of the dozens that didn't and give some examples! Or is this some sort of meta-commentary and you're trying to be whimsical yourself? - Clue:It's not working.

HaroldMeaker · 17/01/2025 17:50

I loved the Louis Wain film ! To be fair his art is the epitome of whimsical so that seems fair enough.

I don't think Black Doves is whimsy though?

Original poster
User09678 · 17/01/2025 17:44

KrisAkabusi · 17/01/2025 15:14

The first poster literally said "I don't understand you"!

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Oh. Yes you're right. Well the second one did! And another person on this thread. Maybe two?

OP posts:
Hanto · 17/01/2025 17:40

DappledThings · 17/01/2025 12:41

Agree. And I really liked Black Doves. No idea if my example is even what OP is thinking of as she's given no examples so far.

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I loved the Ben Whishaw and the hitwomen plot strand (I think the Irish actress has a big future), but was less keen on Keira Knightley and her dead lover stuff. No one’s ever that invested in a man who’s dead before the opening credits.

Plastictrees · 17/01/2025 17:01

WongKarWhy · 17/01/2025 16:34

See when I think whimsical I think more Big Fish, Amelie or Mary Poppins or Spirited away, for example, than quips mixed in with violence.

So do I, I’m beginning to think I misunderstood the thread. But I’m not sure if anyone understands what the OP is asking!

WongKarWhy · 17/01/2025 16:34

See when I think whimsical I think more Big Fish, Amelie or Mary Poppins or Spirited away, for example, than quips mixed in with violence.

GoldOrca · 17/01/2025 16:27

Like a Wes Anderson film?

KrisAkabusi · 17/01/2025 15:14

User09678 · 17/01/2025 15:06

I believe the first poster did!

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The first poster literally said "I don't understand you"!

Plastictrees · 17/01/2025 15:12

User09678 · 17/01/2025 15:06

I believe the first poster did!

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I don’t think so. The first poster was confused and asked for examples.

Original poster
User09678 · 17/01/2025 15:06

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 17/01/2025 13:03

@User09678 does anyone understand what this post is about????

I believe the first poster did!

OP posts:
squashyhat · 17/01/2025 14:43

Didactylos · 17/01/2025 13:18

Placetne, magistra?

Placet

Getitwright · 17/01/2025 13:45

Humour in very dark, horrible situations is nothing new. It’s know as Gallow’s Humour, or Black Comedy and it’s how some emergency service workers/people get through some of the most horrific days possible. Not talking about being disrespectful of others, but simply trying to chuckle rather than collapse in a heap at the sheer horror. It’s a coping mechanism.

EarlyBird12345 · 17/01/2025 13:33

Is it called bathos?

Didactylos · 17/01/2025 13:29

I know kind of what you mean OP
I think too much of any particular style and it becomes an irritating cliche which interferes with any enjoyment of the drama you are watching. Like knowing nods to the audience/breaking the fourth wall, can be amusing or tiresome

Toddlerteaplease · 17/01/2025 13:24

squashyhat · 17/01/2025 11:37

It means Lord Peter to me (although different spelling)

My first thought as well!

Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 17/01/2025 13:23

squashyhat · 17/01/2025 11:37

It means Lord Peter to me (although different spelling)

Same!

TheYearOfSmallThings · 17/01/2025 13:22

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 17/01/2025 13:03

@User09678 does anyone understand what this post is about????

No, but I remember finding those little statues creepy as a child.

Asvoria · 17/01/2025 13:21

Death of Stalin has this type of feel to it. I didn't know it had a name. I don't watch enough movies to be irritated by it.

Didactylos · 17/01/2025 13:18

Placetne, magistra?

ginasevern · 17/01/2025 13:16

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 17/01/2025 13:03

@User09678 does anyone understand what this post is about????

No, I've read all the comments and still haven't got a clue. I'd never even heard of the china figurines they're on about!