Mimesis and the Marx Brothers -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 11:03:32 02/01/08 Fri
Author: Janelle
Subject: Mimesis and the Marx Brothers

It occurred to me as I was looking through my Marx Brothers collection that not only is mimesis a huge theme in their movies, but it is also an object of ridicule for them. This is especially evident in their early films. Take "Animal Crackers" for example. In it, Groucho is supposedly a great fearless explorer who has conquered all the continents (despite the fact that he is frightened by a caterpillar on his lapel). Although he is invited to a party held by the social elite, he is not a part of them. In fact his intentions are known from the start that he is only interested in the hostess (Mrs. Rittenhouse) for her money and makes fun of her and her guests every chance he gets. Yet they accept him, they are blind to his true character and only see the imitation. With his tie, suit jacket, personal secretary, and even his painted on mustache he resembles them enough to be brought into their circle, but he knows how fake their personalities the situation is. In fact, many of the guests don't like each other and are only there for appearances or to sabotage the party. Since Groucho recognizes this he is the one who gets the last laugh.

Another example in "Animal Crackers" comes in the form of a character named Roscoe W. Chandler. He too has gained access into high society by imitating and plays the part of a sophisticated, art collecting gentleman. While he fools everyone else, of course, his true identity is discovered by Harpo and Chico who recognize him and remember his former identity...as a fish peddler. The admission of this imitation leads to a great piece of dialogue between Chico (who speaks in an outrageous and horrible Italtian accent) and Roscoe:

Chico: How did you get to be Roscoe W. Chandler?
Roscoe: Say, how did you get to be an Italian?
Chico: Never mind that, whose confession is this?

Exposing the inherent quality of mimesis in man and illustrating the power imitation can grant you, why it can change everything you are.

Perhaps the funniest example of mimesis in the Marx Brothers films is simply Harpo Marx. A fair share of the humor in the movies comes from his uncanny ability to mimic other characters who consider themselves 'above' him. In "The Cocoanuts" a woman who is trying to frame Harpo for a crime sweet talks and flatters him. As she goes to leave, she walks away strutting in front of him and shaking her hips. Harpo then follows closely behind her making the same exaggerated movement which of course then loses its sex appeal and reveals the tatic for what it really is: merely an imitation, an act that is used in the hopes of reaching an end, in this case of seducing Harpo.

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