Oh Snap: Satire of the 90’s

Curated by Hannah Richardson

Oh Snap: Satire of the 90’s is focused on films with a satirized outlook of the era they were conceived. Each film contemplates the complex relationship between societal expectations and human nature through the use of wit and nuanced humor. These films will take you on a rollercoaster of societal examination, self-reflection, and most importantly, giggles. 

Chemistry (1993)

Chemistry by Steve Muller puts a lighthearted spin on handling grief. As a young woman loses her cat, she finds herself on a journey from the end of one relationship to a start of another. While carrying around her dead cat, she looks for a replacement and seems to forget the cat entirely when she finds one. The relatable tone gives humor to the life of a young adult whose lives are often filled with a constant cycle of voids and fulfillment. (Hannah Richardson) 

Country: USA
Year: 1993
Language: English
Writer, Director, Camera: Stephen Muller
Music: Kazumi Umeda
Crewless Productions
Runtime: 5 minutes

Change of a Dress (1991)

Change of a Dress (1991) is a parody of the conventional damsel-in-distress fairy tale using stop-motion Claymation. Director Michael Parks created a story world where the stereotypical prince archetype was unable to save the damsel, no matter how hard she tried. Parks satirized the traditional fairy tale conflict-resolution with characters forcing conflict and realizing what they needed was right in front of them all along.  (Hannah Richardson)

Country: USA
Language: English
Story and Animation: Michael Parks
Music: David Hawley
Runtime: 6 minutes


I Did It My Way: The Alexandra Paul Story (1993)

I Did It My Way: The Alexandra Paul Story (1993) is a documentary focused on the up-and-coming actress Alexandra Paul documented by her twin sister, Caroline Paul. As Alexandra prepares to audition for Baywatch, the filmmakers review the film, poking fun at Hollywood’s falsification customs while creating a satirical tone for the film. At the time, Alexandra was already known for her part in Baywatch adding to the subtle meta-on-meta humor strewn throughout the film. Paul parallels the actress’s life through a satirical lens of how Hollywood presents young actresses to contradict Alexandra Paul’s successful reality.  (Hannah Richardson)

Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Caroline Paul
Starring: Alexandra Paul
Narration: Jonathan Paul
Camera: Stephen Muller Paul
Lean ‘n’ Mean Productions
Runtime: 13 minutes

Filmmaker Bio(s)

Caroline Paul https://www.carolinepaul.com/

Michael Parksmichaelmparks.com