Ben Affleck’s appearance on *Saturday Night Live* on May 18, 2013, gifted us with a skit that has cemented itself in comedic history. The “Hermes Handbags” skit, featuring Affleck’s hilariously awkward attempt to sell luxury handbags (with a slight, and very deliberate, mispronunciation), is a masterclass in physical comedy, wordplay, and the subtle art of escalating absurdity. This article will dissect the skit, exploring its humor, its cultural impact, and its enduring appeal, weaving in relevant background information on Hermès, the broader context of the SNL episode, and the lasting legacy of this particular comedic gem.
The skit itself centers around Affleck playing a somewhat hapless, overly enthusiastic salesman attempting to pitch Hermès handbags. The mispronunciation of “Hermès” as “Herman’s” immediately establishes the comedic foundation. This seemingly minor slip-up, however, is the catalyst for a series of escalating comedic mishaps. The sheer audacity of the mispronunciation, coupled with Affleck’s deadpan delivery, creates an immediate disconnect between the high-end luxury brand and the slightly off-kilter presentation. It's a perfect example of comedic juxtaposition.
The humor isn't solely derived from the mispronunciation. The skit expertly utilizes physical comedy, with Affleck's exaggerated gestures and facial expressions perfectly complementing the absurd situations. He stumbles over his words, awkwardly interacts with potential customers, and even resorts to desperate measures to make a sale. The sheer commitment to the character, despite the inherent absurdity, is what makes the skit so memorable. Affleck’s performance is not just good; it’s utterly believable within the context of the skit's escalating chaos.
One of the most memorable lines, and a frequent quote amongst SNL fans, comes from a supporting character: "One time, I thought I banged E.T." This seemingly random and out-of-place confession, delivered with complete nonchalance, perfectly encapsulates the skit's overall tone. It's a non sequitur that adds to the surreal and unpredictable nature of the sales pitch, further highlighting the disconnect between the high-end luxury brand and the chaotic reality of the sales presentation. The line's unexpectedness and the deadpan delivery create a perfect comedic moment, leaving the audience both shocked and amused.
The skit’s success also lies in its clever use of wordplay and visual gags. The repeated mispronunciation of "Hermès" as "Herman's" is a running gag that drives the humor forward. The visual gags, such as Affleck’s increasingly desperate attempts to sell the handbags, further enhance the comedic effect. The combination of verbal and visual humor creates a multi-layered comedic experience that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
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