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TotalMaddict |
Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Aug 16 2010, 1:25 PM EDT
I have been a fan since episode one of season one because this show is different than anything else on TV. However, I detected something in last night's episode that I hope is not shapes of things to come. Up until now the language used has been relatively clean, and I like that. In my opinion, profanity is a sign of a lack of intelligence, vocabulary, and imagination. Last night a word beginning with the letter "s" was used at least three times in this episode. Is Matthew Weiner attempting to portray the '60s as a revolutionary time through the use of this kind of language? I certainly hope not. Weiner can successfully create an accurate vision of the '60s without stooping to this level and thereby compromising the quality of this truly fine show.
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Keyword tags:
'60s
Mad Men
Matthew Weiner
use of language
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amy_c |
1. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Aug 17 2010, 12:18 PM EDT
I noticed them saying it several times last week too and wondered if maybe AMC just changed its policy. Funny enough, there have been times on the show where I found it *unrealistic* because some of the men weren't using coarser language. I'll be curious if we'll see a return of the s-bomb next week. Maybe it was just that episode's writer? Do you find this valuable? |
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queenofconnaught |
2. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 11 2010, 9:49 AM EDT
IMO those who object to the fullest use of the English language "lack intelligence, vocabulary, and imagination".
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GaryOmaha |
3. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 13 2010, 8:02 PM EDT
This week's episode (4.8) had a viewer warning at the beginning which included "language.:" I didn't detect anything especially different than previous episodes...did I miss something? Or did they respond to complaints from previous episodes?
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TotalMaddict |
4. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 14 2010, 10:26 AM EDT
I suppose that means the cast members of "Jersey Shore" and countless other reality shows are then implementing the "fullest use of the English language". My initial comment was only to point out that, since this sort of language is used on such shows, why not make a show as well-written as "Mad Men" something different by NOT using this type of language. Would it not be as "hip" or "edgy" without it?
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amy_c |
5. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 14 2010, 11:54 AM EDT
Don't be offended. We all have different sensitivity levels when it comes to this sort of thing, I guess. Like I said before, I always found it silly when they didn't use coarse language in certain situations. I doubt the placement of swear words is done to titilate. There really aren't any throwaway lines or scenes in this show. Everything seems so deliberate! The fact of the matter is, we are dealing with quite a few drunken, misogynistic men from the 1960s. I'm sure there was a lot of effin and jeffin around the workplace. Do you find this valuable? |
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TotalMaddict |
6. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 14 2010, 1:58 PM EDT
I suppose you are right, but I'm disappointed because I really loved the first three seasons. For three years I have been talking this show up, now I worry that it may be the season when it jumps the shark. Then what would I do with myself on Sunday at 10? Also I wish Don and Betty would both get off their self-destructive paths. I am getting to the point where I don't like the people they are becoming. It is sooooo painful to watch!!! Do you find this valuable? |
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amy_c |
7. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 15 2010, 12:49 PM EDT
"I suppose you are right, but I'm disappointed because I really loved the first three seasons. For three years I have been talking this show up, now I worry that it may be the season when it jumps the shark. Then what would I do with myself on Sunday at 10?Yes, it is especially painful to see Don this way. My husband and I often comment on the fact that our show's "hero" isn't a guy we would ever want to know. Kind of like watching The Sopranos. I haven't noticed any swearing lately. It really only stood out in that one episode for me. Strange. Do you find this valuable? |
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GaryOmaha |
8. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 16 2010, 7:39 AM EDT
I worked in a similar industry in my first job, not too many years after the era MadMen portrays. Swearing was ubiquitous -- in fact, that's where I "learned" some of the words. ;) It doesn't bother me that it's in there and is more obvious to me when it isn't. As someone said in an interview, if the show were on HBO, there would be a lot more, but as a basic cable channel, they're still somewhat restricted.I'm still wondering what the advisory before this week's episode was for. Do you find this valuable? |
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setharmstrong |
9. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 17 2010, 5:50 PM EDT
| Post edited: Sep 17 2010, 5:53 PM EDT
"I suppose that means the cast members of "Jersey Shore" and countless other reality shows are then implementing the "fullest use of the English language". My initial comment was only to point out that, since this sort of language is used on such shows, why not make a show as well-written as "Mad Men" something different by NOT using this type of language. Would it not be as "hip" or "edgy" without it? "One of the few criticisms I would make of the show is that none of the characters, till now, swear even in private. That's unrealistic. It might offend the Flandereses of the world, but people do that. You really notice it on network cop shows, where no one - not even the baddest of bad dudes - swears. It doesn't mean it has to be wall-to-wall profanity (although a show like Deadwood made that an art, and Al Swearengen was its Shakespeare), but the occasional use of a swear word by a character just adds realism. You're not going to hear Don or Roger or Pete (who would never swear anyway, but says things like "Christ on a Cracker!") start swearing in the middle of a meeting with a client, but maybe for example in private in one of their offices. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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jamblermm |
10. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 25 2010, 9:35 PM EDT
I think the timing for use of profanity in the office is pretty close to the reality of the time. I worked in an office in the early sixties and s**t was fairly common and a word that you would hear/use among friends and family also. By 1964/5 swearing in mixed company would be fairly plentiful. I see restraint in the Mad Men episodes so far. Remember that the so-called "Free Speech Movement" is around the corner and then f-bomb caught on ....fast!
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amy_c |
11. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 27 2010, 1:16 PM EDT
Did you all notice it again last night? I think it is more than appropriate for this setting and these people. Roger even dropped an eff bomb, although AMC muted it. I would imagine Roger to be a pretty foul-mouthed guy in closed quarters. And you're right about Deadwood making swearing an art, Seth. LOL, I found myself swearing like Calamity Jane after a Deadwood marathon last year... haha. Do you find this valuable? |
SCMadman |
12. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 27 2010, 1:35 PM EDT
"Did you all notice it again last night? I think it is more than appropriate for this setting and these people. Roger even dropped an eff bomb, although AMC muted it. I would imagine Roger to be a pretty foul-mouthed guy in closed quarters.It is becoming more appropriate in this show for the stress they are experiencing. The proverbial "crap has hit the fan"-both in their lives away from work and their lives at work. Do you find this valuable? |
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GaryOmaha |
13. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 27 2010, 7:50 PM EDT
Yes, the "s" word seemed rather tame compared to Roger's outburst. So...the question is, did Matt Weiner try to see if that would pass through? Was it muted intentionally prior to getting to AMC? I chuckle a bit because it was perfectly clear what the word was, yet our censorship rules require it not to be "heard."Do you find this valuable? |
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SallySands |
14. RE: Using "s" word lame attempt to portray '60s as transformational decade
Sep 6 2011, 4:31 PM EDT
I absolutely agree with you. I think you can write a great screenplay/ teleplay without having to use profanity. So many wonderful movies have been made without needing to use language that was offensive. If you start to put in the "S" word or the "F" word then it takes away the quality of the show.
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