Difference between revisions of "Yokel Chords/References"

Revision as of 02:16, March 11, 2010

Cultural references

• The whole storyline involving Lisa shows many references to The Sound of Music. When Lisa gets told she can be a tutor, she dances on a hill (similar to the opening sequence of the film) and when she introduces herself, Cletus' children walk forward and state their name (a reference to Maria's introduction to the children). Some of the songs they sing are based on songs from the film, including the song performed by Superintendent Chalmers and Principal Skinner, which is inspired by "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" Lisa sings part of a song resembling "The Sound of Music", and later while showing the children the culture of Springfield sings a song based on "My Favorite Things.".
• The relationship Bart shares with his psychiatrist is reminiscent to the way that Tony Soprano and his psychiatrist form a unique bond, with Bart in depression wanting to see her, and the doctor wanting to see more of Bart. Dr. Swanson's psychiatrist also resembles the character of Dr. Elliot Kupferberg from The Sopranos, who was Dr. Melfi's psychiatrist. Peter Bogdanovich plays both roles.
• The style of the artwork in the sequence in which Bart tells his classmates a story about a murderous cafeteria worker resembles the work of Edward Gorey. A piece of music is used in this scene that is reminiscent of a piece of Astor Piazzolla's music from the suite "Punta del Este" used in the film Twelve Monkeys. This same music is used later when Bart's psychiatrist sees her psychiatrist. The clip is also comparable to that of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.
• The music played when Groundskeeper Willie rounds up the kids is the main title theme to the 1965 John Sturges film The Hallelujah Trail, composed by Elmer Bernstein.
• The video game, Death Kill City II: Death Kill Stories, played by Bart and the psychiatrist is a reference to the Grand Theft Auto series of video games, notably the city stories prequels (Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories). The rating for Death Kill City II is "Bad for Everyone," which spoofs the ESRB rating, "E for Everyone".
• During "My Favorite Things," the beginning of the surrealist film, Un Chien Andalou plays.
• The ending, with Cletus saying, "Baby, you're the greatest," Cletus and Brandine kissing, the pan to the skyline and moon, with Cletus's face, and the music are all a direct reference to the 50's sitcom The Honeymooners.