An Exploration of the Comedy Classic 'Nutty Professor' and Its Sequel
By Paul Maglietta
Unparalleled in his comedic prowess, Eddie Murphy burst onto the cinematic scene, donning several personas in the 1996 film "The Nutty Professor" and its ensuing sequel. These iconic films, brimming with hilarity and memorable one-liners, have undoubtedly etched themselves into the annals of comedic cinema.
## The Magic of the "The Nutty Professor"
"Nutty Professor" serves as a monument to Murphy's remarkable talent for embodying multiple characters. Murphy skilfully portrays the film's central character, Professor Sherman Klump, who is on a relentless pursuit to find a formula for weight loss. Equally memorable is his portrayal of Buddy Love, the trim, smooth-talking alter ego of Sherman Klump.
Furthermore, the film showcases Murphy's ability to oscillate between different personas as he takes up the roles of the lively Klump family members. One of the film's comedic high points is the family dinner scene, teeming with humorous banter and memorable banter.
A notable feature of "Nutty Professor" is its deft use of technology. The film successfully and almost seamlessly showcases Murphy in multiple roles interacting with one another. Such scenes, like Sherman sharing screen time with his 'brother', or the mother engaging with the 'nephew', remarkably depict the excellence of the film's production.
## The Follow-Up Act – The Sequel
Released four years after "Nutty Professor", the sequel amplifies Murphy's portrayal of multiple characters. However, the film's avid pursuit of extracting humour from the Klump family dynamics significantly dilutes the comedic effect, rendering it tiresome after some point.
The sequel introduces viewers to a different side of Sherman, who, after finally eliminating Buddy Love, gradually loses his intelligence. Despite this challenging narrative, Murphy wonderfully balances the humorous and earnest elements of his character's journey.
Nevertheless, the sequel falls short of the standard set by its predecessor, due to its underwhelming special effects and relative lack of comedic ingenuity. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of the first film, the sequel offers a nostalgic revisit to their favourite characters.
## The Journey's End
Exploring the narrative and comedic aspects of "Nutty Professor" and its sequel provides an insight into Eddie Murphy's unmistakeable contribution to comedy and cinema. His multifaceted performances in the two films continue to serve as a testament to his skill and persona.
Despite the shortcomings of the sequel, Murphy's legacy retains its irreplaceable place in comedy cinema, offering a laughter-filled journey for audiences across generations. The exploration of these two films is a must for all enthusiasts of comedic cinema, promising a delightful mix of laughter and 90's nostalgia.