On Cinema

On Cinema is a comedic show that first premiered on Adult Swim in 2012. The show is a marriage between satire and parody that has garnered a loyal following since its inception due to its unique presentation style and the unorthodox humor. The show presents itself as a 'movie review show', but this is merely an entry point into a humorous exploration of an absurd and fictional universe that orbits around the show's two main characters.

The show began as a web series hosted by Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington. Both actors are well known in the comedy world, with Heidecker one half of the comedy duo "Tim & Eric", known for their satirical dark comedy, and Turkington synonymous with his anti-comedy persona, Neil Hamburger. Both Heidecker and Turkington remain the hosts of On Cinema, in which they role-play as cinema experts having pseudo-intellectual conversations on various movies.

Heidecker plays a fictionalized version of himself with exaggerated characteristics: an overconfident and egotistical character who often veers off on unrelated tangents and is frequently dismissive of Turkington’s contributions. Turkington, on the other hand, plays his On Cinema role as an overly serious and genuine ‘B-movie’ aficionado. This deliberate portrayal of strikingly different characters sets an interesting stage for character-driven humor, forming the backbone of the show.

On the surface, each episode of On Cinema seems relatively simple. It's set up as a straightforward review show where hosts casually chat about films, reviewing and rating them. However, rarely do they delve into actual in-depth analysis of these films. Instead, the main focus is often on the personal lives, rivalries, failed entrepreneurial ventures, health issues, and miscellaneous hubris of the hosts. There are segments that provide film-related trivia, called “popcorn classics,” inserted as random tangents by Turkington, adding flavor to the staged everyday absurdity.

The real appeal and underlying genius of the show lies in this subversive humor that looks beyond the constraints of the standard 'review show' format. The fictional universe within On Cinema grows deeper and increasingly absurd with each episode, enhanced by the faux-serious role-playing of Heidecker and Turkington. These scripted personas coupled with their improvisational moments produce a bizarre yet strangely engrossing viewing experience.

Moreover, On Cinema is much more than a single show. It has spawned a series of offshoots, such as the action series 'Decker', and the equally absurd court drama 'Mister America'. These expansions continue the narrative of the main show, entwining their plots with the continuous storyline of On Cinema.

Unlike many comedy shows, On Cinema doesn't mainly rely on punchlines or traditional joke-telling. Its humor is primarily derived from its commitment to maintaining the illusion of a real movie review show and the eccentricities of its main characters. The over-the-top character attributes, their absurd interactions, and sheer commitment to the bizarre universe they inhabit, together create a comedic blend of ridiculousness and reality.

Although it may not be a conventional comedy or appeal to mainstream tastes, On Cinema is a niche creation that has found a cult following. It employs an unconventional means to evoke laughter, using the awkward and absurd larger-than-life personalities of Heidecker and Turkington. The two hosts keep viewers on the edge, constantly crossing the line of believability yet somehow remaining within the realms of their established universe.

On Cinema is a splendid example of comedic artistic creation and performance that deeply engages a viewer’s intellect while simultaneously challenging their usual expectations of a comedy show. With its unique format, compelling characters, and willingness to break norms, this show remains a compelling offering from Adult Swim that successfully carves its niche within comedy entertainment. Ultimately, On Cinema is a testament to Adult Swim's willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of what is expected from a television show, ensuring its place as a fascinating entity within the realm of contemporary pop culture.