So many different forms in which a riff can be constructed/delivered. Two of my favorite formats are:
“Observation that what’s being shown doesn’t remotely match what is being attempted to be conveyed to the audience”
Examples:
Mitchell, when the (looks like Johnny Mathis) burglar is trying to break into Deaney’s house, and it is noted “looks like he’s trying to break out of the house”, since the camera angle and set do make it look more like they are trying to get out than break in.
Carnival Magic, when inside the research… institute? Several riffs point out how much this front of a house, and definitely a motel room never once communicates the setting that the scenes are supposed to be in.
“Two people and a film reference in regard to one character’s appearance” (I’ve seen some complain when too many of these pop up, but I love them, every time)
They are usually delivered in the order of [Insert Actor’s Name] as [Insert Another Actor’s Name] in [Insert Film Name].
Does everyone like these? What other format has you gasping for air?
Simple though it may be, the category of riff that most consistently cracks me up is “Tom Servo makes a noise of acknowledgment, confirmation, or confusion as if he’s closely following the events of the film.” (“Mmmhmm. Mmhm. Hmmm?”) These happen all the time, and they always leave me laughing.
Yeah, this is an almost endless list, but the one that immediately popped to mind is when there is a jump cut to a closeup and everyone just gives that quick, excited shout that I can’t begin to try to spell out. (“Wuah!” I guess?)
One favorite is whenever a little, absurd twist is made in what’s happening. Scene calls for pouring a stiff drink? It suddenly becomes maple syrup or balsamic vinegar and I completely lose it.
I also find Trace-era Crow hilarious whenever his humor goes into dark territory. That iteration of Crow was, most of the time, naïve and whimsical so that sudden sharp turn (but delivered in the same upbeat manner) is gold. Kinda like how Crow is gold. But a little bit different.
Not so much a riff, but when Joel or Mike (haven’t seen Jonah do this) try to interact with what’s on the screen, turning dials, pressing buttons, whatever.
When anyone riffing puts words into the screen character’s mouths. For example, in Final Sacrifice, the skinny kid asks the old miner “You know my father?” and Crow shouts back “Knew him? he was delicious!”
I love the non-sequitur lines (which, IIRC, Mary Jo excelled at writing) or sudden outbursts (in the Giant Spider Invasion, the sudden jump cut to Alan Hale laughing for no reason accompanied by a delighted “PUDDING!!”)
I also lose it at any absurd humor (the end of The Skydivers: “Her hair blossomed!”) and, as TinyRaven mentioned, supplying character dialogue (my all-time favorite being Mary Lee’s entire “…and then he (‘Died’) but he was (‘Being killed by me’)…” in Girls Town).
