ARP Presentation

ANALYTIC RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTATION Nick Butsko

English 1110

WHAT I CHOSE

• The comedic piece I chose to analyze was a scene from “The Office”.

• In the episode titled “Special Project”, there was a sub-plot between Jim a paper salesman and his boss’ boss Robert California.

WHY I CHOSE THIS

• “The Office” is easily my favorite show. I’ve probably watched all 9 seasons from start to finish at least 10 times.

• I didn’t have a specific reason on why I chose this scene. It happened to be one of the freshest episodes in mind, and I thought I could do well breaking it down and analyzing it.

SCENE BREAKDOWN

• In this scene Jim is responding to a text Robert California sent to him. Robert California told him he is looking forward to golfing with him on an upcoming business trip. This text message was unexpected because Jim wasn’t planning on going on the trip and his wife Pam just had a baby. Jim plans out his message with Pam, trying deny Robert California’s request. Jim finally decides how he is going to respond to Robert’s text. Jim says “Robert, great offer. Wish I could hit the links with you in Florida, but a father of a new born really should be helping out his wife any chance he gets.” After sending the text, Robert quickly responds with “LOL”.

WHAT IS THERE TO ANALYZE?

• I was able to identify 4 types of comedic devices: • Character Comedy • Irony • One-liner • Comedic Tension

CHARACTER COMEDY

Jim • Apathetic slacker • Coolest character • The audience relates with the most • Fills in the role of the sound mind • smart, likeable, and capable

individual

Robert • Does not care for social cues • Expects to get what he wants • Brings an odd tension to Dunder

Mifflin • Put the characters in awkward

positions because they feel obligated to follow his requests

CHARACTER COMEDY CONT. • The pairing of these characters

creates a strange dynamic that is impossible to turn away from.

• They have nothing in common • Robert is fond of Jim • Jim is creeped out by Robert.

IRONY • Irony defined: contrast between

what is expected and what actually occurs

• The 3 examples of irony: • Jim sending Robert a text,

expecting Robert to see his excuse as acceptable, but Robert dismissing Jim’s excuse.

• Jim, a notably disinterested and lackadaisical employee, works hard at getting out of work.

• Jim doesn’t take Robert very seriously and Robert doesn’t take Jim seriously either.

ONE-LINER

• The joke was delivered in a single line “L.O.L.” • It used the build up of tension to

maximize the delivery and effect.

TENSION • There were 4 scenes involved in this

joke • when Jim receives the text • Jim in the breakroom

formulating a response with his wife and co workers

• The last scene where Jim confirms what he’s going to say with his wife, send the text, and gets Robert’s response.

TAKEAWAY

• Even in one of the simpler less popular scenes from “The Office”, the writers and producers put careful thought into every one of their jokes. They built up tension, used the characters, threw in the one- liner and watched irony settle in, just another day in the office.