Mel Brooks Does Shocking 180 on ‘Blazing Saddles’
Why did comedy maestro change his tune on classic western spoof?
“They couldn’t make that movie today.”
It’s one of the most common complaints stemming from the woke revolution. The new “rules” prevent storytellers from telling select jokes and mocking subjects suddenly deemed off limits.
It’s a key reason why big-screen comedies no longer rock the box office charts. Funny filmmakers like Todd Phillips (“The Hangover”) refuse to navigate the Cancel Culture terrain.
And “Blazing Saddles” is the ultimate “they couldn’t make that movie today” example.
The 1974 western spoof features repeated use of the “n-word,” plus a crush of envelope-shredding gags, which would cause a social media uproar today.
Brooks himself has admitted as much on more than one occasion. This 2017 interview found Brooks skewering PC culture, explaining why irreverent humor matters.
“No, no, I mean maybe ‘Young Frankenstein’ [could be made today]. Maybe a few. But never ‘Blazing Saddles,’ because we have become stupidly politically correct, which is the death of comedy … It’s okay not to hurt feelings of various tribes and groups. However, it’s not good for comedy. Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering into the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behavior.”
Few would disagree. Sober voices like Joe Rogan have slammed woke culture as to why big-screen comedies no longer leave a mark. And “Blazing Saddles'” riotous takedown of racist dolts is no longer possible in today’s film universe.
Except Brooks has had a change of heart.
The comedy legend opened up to The Hollywood Reporter while promoting the new documentary, “Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man.” The conversation included his updated view on “Blazing Saddles,” one that may shock his longtime admirers.
You hear people say, “No one could get away with making that movie anymore.” Do you think you could still make Blazing Saddles today?
Sure. There were certain words we used [that would not fly today]. We used the N-word a lot, because Richard Pryor used it a lot and he was one of our writers. There were so many different things in Blazing Saddles that were in questionable taste, but who cares? Good taste doesn’t mean a thing. They realized that funny is money, so they let us get away with a lot of stuff.
What changed?
Yes, the woke handcuffs that have held back comedy are starting to loosen. We haven’t seen a flood of R-rated comedies that push us out of our comfort zones.
Still, roast comedies are making a comeback, the outrageous “Kill Tony!” is now part of the Netflix content library and stand-ups have more room to say what’s on their minds … with some exceptions.
Is Brooks referring to recent Culture War victories? Or, is he trying to placate Hollywood and the Legacy Media, two industries dedicated to far-Left groupthink?
Remember, Brooks is in promotional mode for not just the new HBO Max documentary. His “Spaceballs” sequel hits theaters next year, and he’d love to see the film repeat the original’s success.
He’s no dummy. He understands he can curry favor with the Hollywood press by ditching his woke culture critiques.
His about face on a critical comedy subject is still hard to hear.
Ok, so he earlier said it couldn’t be made, and now he’s saying maybe it could if you remove some of the lines that Richard Pryor wrote. His idea that all the studios care about is money is kind of tone deaf, given the millions sunk into woke versions of Ghostbusters and other comedy franchises. I don’t see it as a deep knee bend, though. Incidentally, I got to meet Mr. Brooks after a screening of Blazing Saddles sometime in 2014 commemorating the 40th anniversary of its release. As the cameraman was framing our shot together I asked him, “Mel, what’s my motivation here?” He didn’t miss a beat: “Be happy, you’re happy”. Needless to say, I nailed the scene…
I love “stupid comedy” and many of Mr. Brooks films are among my favorites, but many aren’t ! Some are just too stupid! As far as the “n” word? There needs to be some clarity on that ! If it’s offensive if a white person uses it why isn’t offensive if a black person uses it? (c)rap is FULL of the ‘n’ word – black society is full of it – many movies are full of it (if the “f” words don’t take up too much space)! So the solution should be if it’s too offensive for white people then it should be too offensive for black people! Simple as that!
Blazing Saddles was funny in MANY ways other than the “n” word! If the new Space Balls is as good as the old one I’ll watch all of it!
I know I’m in the minority on this one and I may get blasted in the comments. But I’m just not on the same comedic vibration as Mel. I just never got what was so funny about his work. I always wonder if Mel Brooks fans are gaslighting me because I just don’t get the gag.
He’s the Bruce Springsteen of comedy. Wildly successful for reasons that don’t resonate with me.
That is how I feel about Will Ferell’s comedy
Humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Some of the things that have me roaring with laughter won’t even raise a little smile with some of my friends and family, and vice-versa.
You’re forgiven for not finding Mel’s movies funny.