AFI honored Mel Brooks‘ 100th birthday by placing one of his films at the top of its list of the funniest movies ever made. The film dethroned Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot, which previously held the top spot. The non-profit film organization also took a moment to share a few kind words in celebration of Brooks’ birthday.
AFI names one of Mel Brooks’ most iconic movies as the funniest film of all time
The American Film Institute crowned Blazing Saddles as the funniest movie ever made, replacing Some Like It Hot, which previously was first on the list. They changed the order of the “100 Years…100 Laughs” list, which put the 6th-placed 1974 movie in the top spot. They acknowledged how Brooks has long complained that his film deserves the No. 1 spot over Wilder’s movie, pointing out that it’s a lot funnier. This was supposedly an allusion to Brooks’ 2016 Vanity Fair interview, when he shared his thoughts on which movie he considers the funniest. “I love Some Like It Hot, but we have the funniest movie ever made,” he said.
Appearing to agree with Brooks’ thoughts, AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale added, “He’s right!” They later moved on to wishing the popular actor a very happy birthday as he turned 100 on June 28. “We’re happy to right this wrong as Mel celebrates his centennial. It’s good to be the king, and may he live to be a 2,000 year old man. Happy birthday, Mel!” he elaborated.
In an old conversation with BBC Radio 4, Brooks stated that he doesn’t think that a movie like Blazing Saddles could be made again, especially in today’s political climate. He said, “No, no, I mean maybe Young Frankenstein. Maybe a few. But never Blazing Saddles, because we have become stupidly politically correct, which is the death of comedy.”
Further revealing what comedy is about and why such movies couldn’t suit today’s times, he elaborated, “It’s okay not to hurt feelings of various tribes and groups. However, it’s not good for comedy. Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering into the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behavior.”
Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange on ComingSoon.
