Conclusion: New and Old Horizons for Migrant Comedy
摘要
The concluding chapter reflects on the evolving forms and meanings of migrant comedy in contemporary European cinema. It emphasizes the diversity of geographical settings and character backgrounds, showing that migrant comedy extends beyond urban centers to include rural and transnational contexts, thereby enriching its thematic scope. The author highlights how economic inequality and exploitative labor conditions often shape migrants’ experiences, with comedies addressing both systemic injustices and personal stories of resilience. While some films offer optimistic visions of integration and intercultural connection, others depict failed attempts and ironize the contradictions of multiculturalism, especially in elite or corporate contexts. Crucially, the chapter argues for recognizing migrant comedy as a distinct — though hybrid — subgenre that draws on various comedic forms (romantic comedy, farce, satire, dramedy) and humor styles (grotesque, slapstick, discomfort, situational). Comedy is portrayed as a flexible and powerful medium for negotiating sensitive social issues, from refugee crises to cultural identity, without resorting to didacticism. Finally, the chapter discusses recurring character types, including the “helpless refugee”, the “bohemian traveler”, and the “hollow cosmopolitan”. These figures illustrate how migrant comedies engage with and rework cultural stereotypes, advocating ultimately for empathy, rootedness, and meaningful human connection.