Airplane! is a 1980 comedy film
Airplane! was written by Jim Abrahams, and the Zucker brothers, David and Jerry, this was also their directorial debut. The film is a parody of the Air Travel disaster movie genre which dominated the silver screens in the 70s. “Airplane!” is a mockery of those films, filled with irreverent humor, it offers a satirical take on the conventions of the genre.
The Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker trio (ZAZ) were seasoned comedy writers for stage, with a knack for incorporating pop culture into their skits. Needless to say, one of the strengths of the film is its writing. The script was filled with witty one-liners, absurdist humor, and clever references to other films and pop culture. The tightly written script wasted no time on filler, with a relentless comedic pace. The humor of “Airplane!” is both broad and subtle, appealing to a wide range of audiences and making it a timeless classic. Although some would argue that it is too low brow or contains too much physical humor. The film’s comedic pace actually means that some of the more subtle aspects might be missed at first watch.
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Another standout aspect of “Airplane!” is its all-star cast. ZAZ insisted on a handful of actors known only for their serious tough guy roles prior to this movie. Leslie Nielsen in particular rekindled an interest in the “straight-man” comedian. He became known for his deadpan delivery in absurd comedic situations in multiple films following Airplane. Equally Robert Hays, and Julie Hagerty give standout performances, delivering their lines with deadpan precision and bringing the film’s humor to life.
The film’s production design also contributed to it’s comedic appeal, with its lush, over-the-top sets and visual gags. From the brightly-lit control tower to the sumptuous first-class cabin, the film was just as filled with sight gags as it was one-liners. Giving the audience a sense of heightened reality that perfectly fits the film’s outlandish humor.
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Considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time, the influence of “Airplane!” can still be seen in many films today. Its success helped to establish the career of its creators, who went on to make several other iconic comedies, including “The Naked Gun”, also with Leslie Nielsen. “Airplane!” was a pioneer that popularized the use of sight gags and physical comedy in the disaster movie parody genre. An unforgettable film, “Airplane!” will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.
