Little Shop Of Horrors Meme

From Seed to Meme: Exploring the Enduring Popularity of Little Shop of Horrors

The 1986 musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors, a delightfully dark adaptation of Roger Corman's 1960 cult classic, has transcended its theatrical origins to become a vibrant source of internet memes. This article delves into the reasons behind the film's enduring popularity, examining the specific memes, their cultural context, and the elements within the film that lend themselves so readily to online humor and creative expression. We'll explore the reasons why, decades later, Audrey II, Seymour, and the rest of the Skid Row gang continue to resonate with audiences, inspiring countless iterations of humorous content.

The Allure of Audrey II: A Plant with Attitude

At the heart of Little Shop of Horrors' memetic success lies Audrey II, the carnivorous plant with a penchant for human flesh and a surprisingly catchy voice. The character’s design, a vibrant, otherworldly blend of innocence and menace, is inherently meme-able. His initially cute appearance, juxtaposed with his insatiable hunger and increasingly sinister personality, creates a perfect comedic tension that lends itself well to ironic humor and absurdist situations.

Several key elements contribute to Audrey II's memetic longevity:

• His design: The puppetry and subsequent CGI effects, while somewhat dated by today's standards, retain a unique charm. The plant’s exaggerated features, oversized mouth, and expressive eyes offer ample opportunities for visual editing and meme creation.

• His voice: Frank Oz's iconic voice acting for Audrey II brings a distinct personality to the plant. His smooth, almost seductive baritone, contrasted with his villainous actions, creates a compelling and inherently funny character. This makes him easy to quote and parody.

• His evolution: Audrey II's transformation from a seemingly innocent plant to a monstrous, world-dominating being provides a rich narrative arc ripe for memetic interpretation. This arc allows for memes depicting his various stages of growth, highlighting the increasing absurdity of his situation.

Seymour's Sad-Sack Charm: Relatable Struggle

While Audrey II steals the show, Seymour Krelborn, the film's hapless protagonist, also contributes significantly to the memetic landscape. His relatable struggles with poverty, unrequited love, and an increasingly terrifying situation provide fertile ground for meme creation.

• His awkwardness: Seymour’s nervous demeanor and clumsy attempts at romance create a character easily relatable to many viewers. This makes him a sympathetic figure, even as he engages in increasingly morally questionable acts to keep Audrey II fed.

• His desperation: Seymour's desperation to succeed and escape his mundane life fuels his actions. This relatable ambition, despite the morally questionable methods employed, resonates with viewers who have experienced similar feelings of being trapped or struggling to improve their circumstances.

• His naivety: Seymour's naivete, his willingness to believe the best even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, provides comedic potential. This naivety is often highlighted in memes depicting his obliviousness to the plant's true nature.

Skid Row's Supporting Cast: A Chorus of Memes

The supporting characters, the three doo-wop girls (Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon), are also significant contributors to the Little Shop of Horrors meme landscape. Their catchy songs, often utilized in reaction GIFs and memes, provide musical and lyrical context for various situations. Their dynamic provides comedic relief, showcasing a blend of sass, innocence, and observational humor.

Specific Memes and Their Cultural Context

The memes themselves are diverse, reflecting the film’s complex themes and characters. Several stand out:

• "Feed me, Seymour!" This iconic line, uttered by Audrey II, is frequently used in memes depicting hunger, desperation, or a need for attention. Its versatility allows it to be applied to a wide range of situations, from demanding a snack to expressing a longing for a particular object or person.

• Audrey II's various stages of growth: Memes often depict Audrey II's progression from a small, seemingly harmless plant to a giant, menacing carnivore. These memes use the visual change to highlight the escalation of a problem or situation.

• Seymour's expressions of worry and terror: Seymour's facial expressions throughout the film, particularly his wide-eyed expressions of fear and panic, have been frequently used in reaction GIFs and memes to express a range of relatable emotions.

• The doo-wop girls' reactions: The often-over-the-top reactions of the three doo-wop girls are used to convey shock, surprise, or other strong emotions.

The Enduring Power of Dark Humor and Social Commentary

Beyond the specific memes, the film’s enduring appeal stems from its deft handling of dark humor and social commentary. Little Shop of Horrors tackles themes of poverty, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked greed, all while maintaining a darkly comedic tone.

The film's satirical approach to these serious issues makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking. This allows for the creation of memes that not only entertain but also subtly engage with these underlying themes. For example, memes featuring Audrey II’s insatiable hunger can be interpreted as a commentary on consumerism or unchecked ambition.

The Role of Nostalgia and Generation Gaps

Nostalgia plays a crucial role in the continued relevance of Little Shop of Horrors memes. For those who grew up with the film, the memes evoke a sense of childhood and shared cultural experience. However, the film’s themes are also universal, making it accessible to younger generations who may not have seen the original film but still appreciate the humor and dark fantasy elements. This broad appeal across age groups contributes to the longevity of the memes.

Conclusion: A Blooming Legacy

The enduring popularity of Little Shop of Horrors memes is a testament to the film’s enduring charm and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. The characters, particularly Audrey II and Seymour, are well-suited for meme creation due to their memorable designs, quotable lines, and relatable struggles. The film's dark humor and social commentary also add layers of depth, making it more than just a source of simple jokes. The continued creation and sharing of Little Shop of Horrors memes highlight the film's powerful combination of entertainment, social commentary, and enduring appeal. It's a testament to the lasting power of good filmmaking and the unique ways in which pop culture continues to evolve and adapt to new forms of expression. The legacy of Little Shop of Horrors is not just in its theatrical and cinematic success, but in its ability to continue to thrive and evolve within the ever-changing landscape of online culture. The plant, it seems, continues to feed.