Summarizing narratives inaccurately, whether intentionally for comedic effect or unintentionally due to misunderstanding, constitutes the core of this concept. For example, describing “Citizen Kane” as “a rich guy loses his sled” simplifies a complex story to a single, almost meaningless detail. This approach can involve omitting key plot points, misrepresenting character motivations, or focusing on trivial aspects while ignoring thematic depth.
This practice has become a popular form of online entertainment, often found in social media posts, memes, and short videos. Its humor derives from the contrast between the original work’s complexity and the absurd simplicity of the misrepresentation. This comedic lens can also inadvertently introduce films to wider audiences, sparking curiosity and prompting viewers to seek out the actual story. Furthermore, analyzing how a narrative can be misinterpreted sheds light on the elements that contribute to a story’s true meaning and impact.
