In Need of a Laugh? We Got You Covered
In Need of a Laugh? We Got You Covered
Did you know that NFB also stands for “Nifty, Funny, and Brilliant”? No? Well, it doesn’t… but it could! Here are 5 side-splitting, funny-bone-tickling films to prove it.
My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts
Torill Koves’ grandmother could spin a good yarn and press a mean shirt. Following the reestablishment of the Norwegian monarchy in 1905, Kove’s grandmother comes to iron the new king’s shirts. From this point on, the truth of the story becomes hazy, but that’s okay. Any story of a shirt-pressing MorMor who can sabotage the Nazi army with itchy clothes, true or not, is worth telling.
My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts, Torill Kove, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Sleeping Betty
This one made it into our Kids’ Animation list, but, let’s be honest, it’s funny for adults, too. New world meets old world, with a healthy dose of absurdist humor, in this very fresh take on a classic fairy tale. No matter what her Medieval family tries, 20th century Betty just won’t wake up. But maybe the kiss of a prince (Charles, that is) will finally get her out of bed. How many cultural references (and from how many time periods) can you spot?
Sleeping Betty, Claude Cloutier, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Meltdown
Sometimes things go sideways and you gotta get the heck out of Dodge. Especially when Dodge is the North Pole, and sideways is global warming. When a polar bear’s efforts to reinvent himself repeatedly fail, he finds a cool solution in an unlikely place.
Meltdown, Carrie Mombourquette, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Bob’s Birthday
This Oscar-winning short film was the genesis for the internationally-acclaimed animated series Bob and Margaret, which ran for four seasons. Watching Bob’s mid-life crisis on his 40th birthday and the hilarity that ensues when his wife, Margaret, throws him a surprise party, you can see why this wonderfully British couple has amassed such a loyal fandom.
Bob’s Birthday, Alison Snowden & David Fine, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Opening Speech: McLaren
On the occasion of the first-ever Montreal International Film Festival, prolific NFB animator, director, and producer, Norman McLaren, tries to deliver his opening speech, but is faced with a cheeky microphone that takes the term ‘technical difficulty’ to the next level.
Opening Speech: McLaren, Norman McLaren, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
