I was going to start this on New Year’s Day, but that didn’t happen. Everyday I will share with you a favorite film/tv/book/lyric quote and discuss it. Should be fun! This is already hard picking the first one…
Timon: Hey, what’s going on here? Who’s the monkey?!
Nala: (excited) Simba’s gone back to challenge Scar.
Timon: Who?
Nala: Scar.
Pumbaa: Who’s got a scar?
Nala: (shaking head) No no no, it’s his Uncle.
Timon: (suspicious) The monkey’s, his Uncle?
Nala: (losing temper) No! Simba’s gone back to challenge his Uncle to take his place as King…”
(Beat)
Timon/Pumbaa: (realization slowly dawning) Ooooooh…
-The Lion King (1994)
This is my favorite Disney movie, so you’ll see quotes show up here a lot.
This is a favorite quote of mine because of the rapid dialogue and it’s a nice little bit of comedy right after such an emotional scene. It’s also a great interaction between the character types of the Hero’s Journey (love interest, comedic relief/friend, and guide). While I love the rapid bantering, my favorite part is that this is a complete set up for the twist on the saying “A monkey’s Uncle,” that was said by Scar earlier in the film. If anyone is studying how to write comedy for film/tv, this is a perfect example to study on not only how to set up a joke with a fantastic kick at the end, and also at the running joke. Many comedy shows/films today overuse the running joke, but this film perfectly balances it while giving each use its own identity. This joke has a perfect sparkle at the end with a touch of reaction from the comedic relief that acts as a release to help with the transition between scenes. It’s a brilliant little scene that many people overlook, but it’s a fantastic scene to study for detail and a simple yet perfect joke setup.
Writer's Block 