why is May December a comedy, exploring the unconventional romance and its humorous undertones

In the realm of cinematic genres, “May December” relationships—typically depicting an older man paired with a younger woman, or vice versa—often carry a stigma of taboo. However, when these dynamics are portrayed through the lens of comedy, they transform into an intriguing spectacle that challenges societal norms while eliciting laughter. Why is “May December” a comedy? It’s because it subverts expectations, plays with stereotypes, and finds humor in the awkwardness and awkward beauty of age-gap romances.

The comedy in “May December” lies first in the inherent absurdity of the pairing. Society has ingrained in us certain norms about appropriate age mates, and when these norms are violated, it stirs a sense of discomfort—a discomfort that comedy often capitalizes on. The contrast between the experiences, lifestyles, and possibly even physical appearances of the couple serves as fertile ground for humorous situations. Imagine a seasoned, gray-haired executive navigating the world of TikTok trends to impress his millennial girlfriend, or a college-aged woman explaining the intricacies of modern dating apps to her more traditional, older partner. These scenarios, though exaggerated for comedic effect, resonate with audiences because they highlight the universality of misunderstanding and the humor in overcoming generational gaps.

Furthermore, the dynamic often plays into common tropes of “the naive young one” and “the wise old owl,” where each partner teaches the other something invaluable about life. This mentor-mentee relationship, if handled with a light touch, can generate endless comic material. The older partner, with a wealth of life experience, might find themselves in situations where their tried-and-true methods are ineffective or outdated, while the younger partner, with their fresh perspective and tech-savvy mindset, offers innovative solutions. The friction between these worlds—and the humorous way in which they learn from each other—forms the backbone of many “May December” comedies.

Another layer of humor emerges from the societal reactions to these relationships. Family members, friends, and even strangers often react with astonishment, disapproval, or humorously exaggerated concern. These external reactions, though sometimes grounded in genuine fear or misunderstanding, provide comic relief and underscore the societal pressure that surrounds age-gap relationships. The characters’ efforts to navigate these reactions, from sly jokes made by friends to overprotective parents’ interventions, create a series of humorous encounters that propel the storyline forward.

Moreover, “May December” comedies often explore themes of identity and self-discovery. For the younger partner, being in an age-gap relationship can sometimes be a way to rebel against societal expectations or to seek validation and wisdom outside their peer group. For the older partner, it can be a chance to reclaim their youth, rediscover their adventurous side, or simply to challenge the notion that one’s love life should conform to traditional norms. The humor in these stories often stems from the characters’ awkward yet heartfelt attempts to reconcile their newfound desires with their established identities.

Gender dynamics also play a role in the humor of “May December” comedies. Traditional gender roles can be reversed or challenged in such relationships, leading to humorous misunderstandings and clashes. For instance, in a relationship where the older partner is female and the younger partner is male, traditional expectations of masculinity and femininity might be turned on their heads, resulting in comical moments where the younger partner feels the need to prove his maturity, while the older partner enjoys the freedom to be more playful and less conformist.

Finally, the humor in “May December” comedies often stems from the characters’ genuine affection for each other amidst all the chaos. Their love, though unconventional, is sincere and earnest, and this underlying sweetness provides a poignant counterpoint to the humor. Audiences can relate to the characters’ struggles and celebrate their triumphs, finding humor in the awkward dance of love across generations.

Q&A:

Q: Does every “May December” relationship have to be comedic? A: No, “May December” relationships can be explored through various genres, including dramas, romances, and even thrillers. The comedic aspect is just one way to depict these dynamics.

Q: Are age-gap relationships more prevalent in comedies than in other genres? A: While age-gap relationships do appear frequently in comedies due to the inherent humor in societal reactions and generational clashes, they are also featured in dramas and other genres. However, comedies often highlight these relationships in a more light-hearted manner.

Q: Can “May December” comedies be criticized for perpetuating stereotypes? A: Yes, if not handled carefully, “May December” comedies can fall into the trap of perpetuating stereotypes about age, gender, and relationships. It’s crucial for creators to be mindful of these issues and strive to present nuanced, three-dimensional characters who transcend simplistic stereotypes.

Q: How do audiences usually react to “May December” comedies? A: Audiences often react positively to “May December” comedies, finding the humor in generational clashes and societal reactions refreshing and relatable. However, individual reactions can vary widely depending on personal experiences and beliefs.