Q - What is this blog about?
A - It's stuff written by Andrew Girardin. And comics and games.
Q - I'm weakminded and need to be popular. What do my peers say about it?
A - "Your blog is so funny! It's the best written blog! Why don't you write a full-length novel? I'd gladly buy it!"
Q - Is Andrew that guy who translates the Asterix jokes?
A - Yes.
Q - Why doesn't he just stick to that?
A - Good point. Don't know.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Asterix in Switzerland: Latin Jokes Explained
A sexier version of this post, plus great new Asterix content, can be found on my superb new site - EverythingAsterix.com
"It's a reference to Federico Fellini, who made debauched films like Casanova."
Actually it is a reference to Fellini's Satyricon (adapted from Petronius) which features Roman orgies: the picture is a clear visual reference to this particular movie (check Google Images). Also note that Asterix in Helvetia was published in 1970, that is one year after Fellini's Satyricon but 5 years before Fellini's Casanova.
Thanks, Viktor! I recommend searching for 'Satyricon Fellini' instead of just 'Satryricon'... shudder.
The orgies do look like similar and I'm sure you're right about the dates and everything.
But I didn't mean to say this Asterix was inspired by Casanova. I just shoehorned in a reference to Fellini so I could mention Casanova so I could publicly complain about my friend's brutal treatment of me.
Outstanding Andrew - I was roaring with laughter - the fondue in the summer comment is of course spot on.
ReplyDeleteLiving in Switzerland, I really enjoyed reading this. Must have been a lot of work to put it together but it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteEven after 100 times, these comics still make me laugh! Great explanations Andrew, they definitely add to the fun :)
ReplyDeleteNowadays, one might say "distance lends enchantment to the view".
ReplyDeleteBeautifully phrased, Doc!
ReplyDelete"It's a reference to Federico Fellini, who made debauched films like Casanova."
ReplyDeleteActually it is a reference to Fellini's Satyricon (adapted from Petronius) which features Roman orgies: the picture is a clear visual reference to this particular movie (check Google Images).
Also note that Asterix in Helvetia was published in 1970, that is one year after Fellini's Satyricon but 5 years before Fellini's Casanova.
Thanks, Viktor! I recommend searching for 'Satyricon Fellini' instead of just 'Satryricon'... shudder.
ReplyDeleteThe orgies do look like similar and I'm sure you're right about the dates and everything.
But I didn't mean to say this Asterix was inspired by Casanova. I just shoehorned in a reference to Fellini so I could mention Casanova so I could publicly complain about my friend's brutal treatment of me.