I don’t know if The Simpsons qualifies as “vintage” per se, but it is the longest-running American sitcom. Now in its 25th season, the creators recently did a couch gag I absolutely had to share. For those of you who don’t know the show, the opening sequence almost always ends a little differently and the difference always revolves around the characters’ couch; hence, the name “couch gag”.
If you know me, I have a soft spot for French. I studied French in high school and I love what I know of French culture and films. In 2003, when The Triplets of Belleville came out, I was hooked. Triplets is easily one of my favorite animated films. Eleven years later, I still recommend it to anyone who will listen. It is a fabulous little film about the adventures of a woman whose grandson goes missing during the Tour de France. I don’t want to give anything away, but if Vaudeville and 1920’s/1930’s performers are your thing, you should definitely check Triplets out. The soundtrack alone makes it worth it.
What does this have to do with The Simpsons? Well, Sylvain Chomet, animator of The Triplets of Belleville, was the one to create their latest couch gag! Look for the subtle French details of Homer eating snails, Bart discovering a DIY foie gras kit (“For Kids!”) beside the couch, Lisa playing an accordion and Marge shouting, “Ou est, Maggie?” as she looks for their ever-endangered, but always resilient youngest.
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