As he dives into nostalgia for the 1960s in his new film 'Unfrosted', the comedy legend shares his thoughts on masculinity, societal changes and the ever-evolving world of comedy.
- May 30, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a revealing conversation with Bari Weiss on her show "Honestly", Jerry Seinfeld explored his deep-seated nostalgia for the 1960s, a decade that significantly shaped his childhood and serves as the setting for his directorial debut, "Unfrosted". Seinfeld made it clear that his admiration for this era goes beyond mere sentimentality.
"There's another element there that I think is the key element [of the '60s], and that is an agreed-upon hierarchy, which I think is absolutely vaporized in today's moment," Seinfeld said. He believes that modern society's lack of hierarchical structure has led to discomfort and chaos, as evidenced by aggressive driving behaviors and general societal unrest.
The comedian also took a nostalgic look at the concept of masculinity during that time. "The other thing is as a man, I've always wanted to be a real man," he said. "I never made it, but I really thought when I was in that era - again, it was JFK, it was Muhammad Ali, it was Sean Connery, Howard Cosell, you can go all the way down there - that's a real man. I want to be like that someday."
Seinfeld confessed that he never quite emulated these icons of manliness. "I never really grew up," he admitted, attributing this to his career in comedy, which he views as a "childish pursuit." He added, "But I miss a dominant masculinity. Yeah, I get the toxic, I get it, I get it. But still, I like a real man."
His reflections extended to the competitive nature of the comedy industry itself. "The rules of comedy are immutable and the ecosystem of comedy is the most - not the most, but one of the most self-correcting ecosystems. Comedy corrects itself," he explained. He likened the field of comedy to the NFL, pointing out that those who do not belong are quickly identified, even if at a slower pace.
Seinfeld also spoke fondly of his admiration for Hugh Grant, who stars in "Unfrosted". He described Grant as the epitome of the "real man" he aspired to be. "He knows how to dress, he knows how to talk, he's charming, he has stories, he's comfortable at dinner parties, he knows how to get a drink... I love those movements of style," Seinfeld elaborated.
While "Unfrosted" is set in a nostalgic past, Seinfeld created the film during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to combat the bleakness of the time. "We can't fix the world, but we just want to make a face happy, even just for a few minutes," he remarked, emphasizing comedy's power to provide relief in difficult times.
Despite the lighthearted aim of his work, Seinfeld does not shy away from politically charged jokes and commentary. "Political correctness is something of a worry for people that can't think," he stated, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to addressing societal issues.
"Unfrosted" is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a blend of nostalgia and comedy during trying times.
