Mr Creosote

Monthy Pythons The Meaning of Life MrCreosoteSketch

Mr. Creosote is a fictional character who appears in the Monty Python's film Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. He is a grotesquely obese man who is served a vast amount of food at a restaurant, despite his ill health. The character is known for his excessive eating habits and the infamous scene where he vomits repeatedly, which is played for dark comedic effect. Mr. Creosote has become an iconic figure in the realm of British comedy, symbolizing the extremes of gluttony and excess.

Character Overview

Mr. Creosote is portrayed by Terry Jones, one of the members of the Monty Python comedy troupe. The scene involving Mr. Creosote takes place in a fancy French restaurant, where he is served by a waiter named Gaston, played by John Cleese. Despite already being visibly unwell and morbidly obese, Mr. Creosote orders a vast amount of food, which he consumes messily and voraciously. The scene escalates to a point where after consuming a "wafer-thin mint," Mr. Creosote explosively vomits, covering the restaurant and its patrons in vomit. This scene is both shocking and humorous, showcasing the Python team's penchant for blending dark humor with social commentary.

Themes and Analysis

The character of Mr. Creosote and his scene in The Meaning of Life can be seen as a commentary on consumerism, excess, and the indulgence of Western society. The grotesque nature of the scene exaggerates these themes to a point of absurdity, forcing the audience to confront the ugliness of gluttony and waste. Monty Python's work often includes such satirical elements, using humor to critique societal norms and behaviors.

Cultural Impact

Since his appearance in The Meaning of Life, Mr. Creosote has become a cultural icon, representing the extremes of consumption and indulgence. The character is often referenced in discussions about overeating and consumer culture. The scene has also been noted for its impact on the use of shock humor in film and television, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream comedy.

In Popular Culture

Mr. Creosote has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including television shows, films, and literature. His name and character are often invoked when discussing scenes of excessive eating or the consequences of gluttony.

See Also

• Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
• Terry Jones
• John Cleese
• Monty Python