Norbit
2007 · Directed by Brian Robbins
Original language: English
- comedy
The story
A mild-mannered guy who is engaged to a monstrous woman meets the woman of his dreams, and schemes to find a way to be with her.
What it’s like
Bright, flat studio lighting and broad, saturated colour, the kind of cheerful sitcom palette where every room is evenly lit and nothing is moody. Camera work is conventional and workmanlike: medium two-shots, reaction close-ups held a beat too long for the gag, and sets that look built for a broad comedy rather than lived in. The sound is busy and upbeat, with a bouncy pop-and-novelty score under slapstick sound effects, pratfalls and loud crowd-pleasing exchanges. Heavy prosthetic makeup and fat-suit comedy carry much of the humour, so the physical gags are constant and some of the jokes will feel dated or uncomfortable to modern viewers. The vibe is loud, silly and fast-talking, a Friday-night comedy you put on for easy laughs rather than something to sink into. Its arc is a meek, put-upon man repeatedly scheming his way out of a bad engagement. Intensity is low on violence and gore, with some crude language, sexual innuendo and bodily humour throughout, and some cruelty played for laughs. Aimed at fans of broad, high-energy Eddie Murphy comedy who don't mind the crude edges, not at anyone wanting something gentle.
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