About that "Obama Playing it Cool" Skit on SNL last night?

[FrenchieCat]

I thought this was hilarious, and yet a positive in having Obama's persona being defined as cool, calm and collected and very "with it".

The music was very much Miles Davis/Herbie Hancock/John Coltrane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fsn7JD6Kw&feature=related

The backdrop gave a similar effect as the visuals associated with the 1968 movie "the Thomas Crown affair", in where Steve McQueen was about as cool as anyone could be. This film was the epitome of "cool" for quite some time, as I saw it when it came to Paris, as an impressionable young kid who was a little too young to see such a complex movie, but my Mom wanted to see it. We had to stand in line to get in.
Here's a bit of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzajlo4ZJ0I

Here's the link to that skit, if you haven't seen it.
Select the Obama plays it Cool video choice
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/obama-plays-it-cool/866342/

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. And the "Barack Obama" card was in the style of Kenny Burrell's "Midnight Blue":

"Barack" was written where "Midnight" is, and "Obama" was in place of "Blue."

[FrenchieCat]

7. Precisely!

I've always loved Stanley Turrentine,
as I Grew up with a brother who plays the sax...and was so good,
that he played some jazz clubs in Paris back in the early 90s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFCph1WAyGM&feature=related

[Radical Activist]

26. was that the song?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

32. No, only the typography was the same.

[TexasObserver]

2. It's the only time Fred Armisen's Obama has really worked.

It worked very well.

I think it was based upon a song.

[DangerousRhythm]

21. I thought so too!

My fiance and I were laughing at it, saying how much Armisen had improved his impression. Good stuff! :D

[TexasObserver]

23. I think the lighting, and the opportunity for extra takes, made that so.

[FrenchieCat]

24. He's got a real long ways to go with the voice.

Obama's voice is very distinct. Without Fred getting "it", he's not going to do that great of a job. He's already like a foot shorter than Obama and has green eyes. He may have the "hair" down, but for me, that's about it.

[TexasObserver]

25. Armisen simply does not have the ear for impersonation.

Very few comedians do, which is why the have to get someone else to play Obama.

I don't understand why SNL doesn't try to hire away from Mad TV Keegan-Michael Key, who does a good Obama - the exaggerated essence of Obama - as well as numerous other characters. He is very versatile. He can play Hispanic, Mideastern, Indian, and Black with equal aplomb. The guy is solid.

[FrenchieCat]

28. Well, perhaps they are giving Fred a chance to see if he will perfect it......

although I think his time is up.....although I like Fred....but I can't fake like he's coming very close.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Fred Armisen has P/E Obama's voice and cadence down perfectly.

[rvablue]

4. I agree with you, but so many

including Obama himself have said otherwise.

I think it's a pretty good impersonation.

[Median Democrat]

6. Feed's Voice Is Too High, And Pace Gets Too Fast

Fred's sometimes cuts off his words much faster than Obama, so it sounds halting. Obama's speech is much more deliberately paced. The SoS skit with Hillary was also very funny.

[Kahuna]

9. It's getting better. Last night was the first time he nailed it. nt

[Kahuna]

8. He finally got it down perfect. Go Fred! I knew he could do it...Afterall..

His Prince is dead on. :rofl:

[Ichingcarpenter]

16. Best one yet, even his Mannerism were better this time

It was Cool and not even a cardboard cutout impersonation of Obama,
otherwise I would have to attack him for faux sexism and cheap humor.

[eleny]

5. I liked it a lot

He's been practicing his "Obama" and getting it down pat. And yes, the jazz was of the "cool" variety.

[Cha]

10. That was Awesome~ Thanks Frenchie!

I've never seen him before but this interpretation was really CoolB-)

Fred kinda reminds me of the older whomever the guy is who's in this amazing "Whatever You Like" soft rap Obama video.

[ellacott]

11. This was great, thanks for posting this

He keeps it cool. :)

[Frustratedlady]

12. Love it! Just imagine having a president that is with it and cool!

Long time comin'.

[Window]

13. Loved it!! Thanks Frenchie.

:kick:

[undeterred]

14. This is going to be a tough time for comedians

compared to the Bush era. Obama is so normal there's not much material!

[Froward69]

18. AHHH Playing it cool can

Go far and get out of hand.... Not that's it's a bad thing either.

[firedupdem]

15. I thought it was great. That was the first time he truly nailed it! n/t

[Froward69]

17. I find it remarkabe...

That we as a nation have become able to handle Fred Armistin? In Black-face.

I liked it also. Thank you for the link.

[Clio the Leo]

19. Yep, and not only was this Fred's best effort yet...

..... it's probably the closest I'll ever get to my cheesy fantasy of Barack doing his rendition of "Cool" from "West Side Story." :)

[Berry Cool]

20. It seemed like he'd really been working on it.

I mean, it's not like Obama's going away. They knew they needed somebody to do him on a long-term basis and if Fred's impersonation of him didn't get better, they'd have to get someone else. It seems to me like he's really boning up to make it good so he has a nice steady job at it for the next four years.

[Occam Bandage]

22. Not really funny, but Fred's Obama is much better than it was in the past. nt

[FrenchieCat]

29. I thought it was funny.

How come you don't? Just curious.

[Radical Activist]

27. Anyone now what the song was?

I recognize it but can't name it. I know I have it in my collection somewhere.

[AllentownJake]

30. It was funny because it was true

Obama does play it cool.

I liked the part with McCain the best. John McCain mmmm John McCain. :rofl:

The mission accomplished part made me nearly fall off my chair when I watched it on my computer.

[WeDidIt]

31. It was funny, but Armisen needs to go. He cabn't do Obama

They need to get Alphacat.