skully the poltergeist
Al Jeany apologist
About to re-watch both back to back. What are people's thoughts on the age old debate of which is better? I find it so hard to call.
UK one is, in my opinion, a work of art. Innovative, subtle and authentic. I don't think the strange mix of absurdity and monotony found in admin jobs has ever been captured more completely. It's all so relatable, I think everybody knows a David Brent... I lived with one for 3 years. The way in which it shines a light on the ridiculous mannerisms that we Brits are so familiar with but rarely acknowledge is nothing short of genius. Much of that is probably lost on an American audience however, who perhaps find it too dry? And it is pretty brutal for a comedy, there's this deeply cynical and depressing undercurrent that isn't found in the US counterpart. Sometimes the cringe, though utterly hilarious, is hard to bear because its so true to life.
US version feels like a more traditional sitcom. The characters are definitely more lovable but they're also caricatures when compared to the realism of the UK version. The plots are also follow more conventional trajectories. That's not a necessarily a criticism though, the US version uses the supporting cast to better effect. There's far more emphasis placed on character development and the dynamics between characters, perhaps because it ran for much longer. That longevity, however, is something of a double-edged sword. Trying to continue without Michael was a huge mistake and at that point it truly committed its soul to the territory of generic sitcoms.
I guess they're very different beasts. I'd probably say The US version is the more fun and entertaining, whilst the UK version is sharper, more intelligent and ultimately better television.
It's an interesting one to discuss because it really highlights the comedic differences between two fairly similar cultures. And I imagine the poll will probably reflect that too.
UK one is, in my opinion, a work of art. Innovative, subtle and authentic. I don't think the strange mix of absurdity and monotony found in admin jobs has ever been captured more completely. It's all so relatable, I think everybody knows a David Brent... I lived with one for 3 years. The way in which it shines a light on the ridiculous mannerisms that we Brits are so familiar with but rarely acknowledge is nothing short of genius. Much of that is probably lost on an American audience however, who perhaps find it too dry? And it is pretty brutal for a comedy, there's this deeply cynical and depressing undercurrent that isn't found in the US counterpart. Sometimes the cringe, though utterly hilarious, is hard to bear because its so true to life.
US version feels like a more traditional sitcom. The characters are definitely more lovable but they're also caricatures when compared to the realism of the UK version. The plots are also follow more conventional trajectories. That's not a necessarily a criticism though, the US version uses the supporting cast to better effect. There's far more emphasis placed on character development and the dynamics between characters, perhaps because it ran for much longer. That longevity, however, is something of a double-edged sword. Trying to continue without Michael was a huge mistake and at that point it truly committed its soul to the territory of generic sitcoms.
I guess they're very different beasts. I'd probably say The US version is the more fun and entertaining, whilst the UK version is sharper, more intelligent and ultimately better television.
It's an interesting one to discuss because it really highlights the comedic differences between two fairly similar cultures. And I imagine the poll will probably reflect that too.
