In the annals of Saturday Night Live, there are iconic moments that remain etched in our collective memory. From the hilarious skits to the musical performances, the show has consistently served up comedic gold. One such moment that continues to delight and intrigue is the appearance of Justin Timberlake, not in a musical performance, but as the star of a bizarre and unforgettable soup commercial.
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The “Bring It On Down” soup commercial, which aired during the 2008-2009 season, is more than just a funny sketch; it’s a testament to the show’s ability to push creative boundaries and create viral moments that resonate with audiences. But what makes this particular commercial so iconic? What is the secret behind its lasting appeal?
A Soup-er Bizarre Idea: The Origins of “Bring It On Down”
The concept for the “Bring It On Down” commercial was born from the unique comedic vision of SNL’s writers, who were known for their knack for creating absurd and hilarious situations. They envisioned a soup commercial that would be both ridiculous and strangely alluring, a parody of the generic and often bland commercials that flood our television screens. The commercial would focus on a single brand of soup, “Bring It On Down” – a name so simple and generic that it almost sounds made up. Its star, however, would be anything but ordinary: Justin Timberlake.
Justin Timberlake, then at the height of his music career, was already a familiar face to SNL viewers. He had hosted the show multiple times and had performed some of his most iconic songs. The writers knew that casting him in a role that was both out-of-character and, dare we say, a little bit strange, would be a recipe for comedic gold. The combination of Timberlake’s star power and the absurdity of the concept made “Bring It On Down” a hit before it even aired.
A Soup-erstar Takes Center Stage: Timberlake’s Performance
Timberlake’s performance in the commercial is what truly elevates it beyond simple sketch comedy. He embraces the ridiculousness of the situation with an almost childlike enthusiasm. He delivers lines with an earnestness that contrasts sharply with the absurdity of the product he’s selling. He’s not trying to be funny; he’s genuinely convinced that “Bring It On Down” is the best soup in the world, and his sincerity is what makes the commercial so endearing and hilarious.
One particularly memorable moment is when Timberlake, dressed in a sleek suit, leans in towards the camera and whispers, “When you’re down, you just gotta get up and bring it on down.” His delivery is so intense, so passionate, that it almost feels like he’s sharing a profound secret, not advertising a bowl of soup. It’s this juxtaposition of a serious celebrity with a ridiculous product that makes the commercial so funny.
A Soup-er Viral Phenomenon: The Longevity of “Bring It On Down”
The “Bring It On Down” commercial quickly went viral after its initial airing. It was shared online, discussed in online forums, and even became a popular meme. People, captivated by the commercial’s absurdity and Timberlake’s unexpected performance, couldn’t get enough. The commercial achieved a level of cultural relevance that few SNL sketches ever achieve.
One contributor to its lasting appeal is its simplicity. It’s a short commercial, packed with punchy humor. The humor is not reliant on complex jokes or pop culture references; it’s based on the simple juxtaposition of Timberlake’s seriousness with the ridiculousness of the product. This accessibility makes the commercial relatable and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
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A Soup-er Recipe for Success: The Ingredients for Comedy
The success of the “Bring It On Down” commercial highlights several key ingredients that contribute to comedic brilliance:
- Unexpected Celebrity Casting: Casting a well-known celebrity in an out-of-character role is an effective way to create comedic tension and surprise the audience. The difference between the celebrity’s image and the character’s role leads to amusing situations.
- Absurd Premises: A strong comedic premise provides the foundation for humor. In the case of “Bring It On Down,” the premise is inherently ludicrous – a celebrity endorsing a generic soup brand with an overly enthusiastic and unconventional approach.
- Serious Delivery: The use of deadpan delivery, seriousness, and earnestness in a humorous context can create a juxtaposition that leads to humor. Timberlake’s serious delivery of the commercial’s absurd message exemplifies this technique.
- Visual Humor: Visual comedy plays a significant role in many comedic sketches. In “Bring It On Down,” the commercial uses simple, yet effective, visual gags. For example, the close-up shots of the soup and the way the soup “sings” in the bowl.
More Than Just a Soup Commercial: The Legacy of “Bring It On Down”
In many ways, the “Bring It On Down” soup commercial transcends its initial purpose as simple sketch comedy. It stands as a testament to the power of creativity, a reminder that even a seemingly mundane topic like soup can be transformed into a memorable and shareable piece of entertainment. It reinforces the notion that comedy often thrives on the unexpected, on the juxtaposition of seriousness and absurdity.
More than a decade after its initial airing, the “Bring It On Down” soup commercial continues to be referenced and enjoyed by audiences. It’s even been incorporated into pop culture, serving as a source of inspiration for memes and even parodies. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most enduring comedic moments are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Justin Timberlake Snl Bring It On Down Soup
A Soup-er Call to Action: Bring It On Down!
So the next time you’re feeling down, remember the wisdom of Justin Timberlake and “bring it on down.” You may not find a bowl of “Bring It On Down” soup at your local grocery store, but you can always find a good laugh by remembering the simple brilliance of this iconic SNL sketch.
