Ben Affleck’s May 18th, 2013, hosting gig on *Saturday Night Live* is etched into comedic history, not for any grand sketch, but for a single, gloriously awkward moment: his attempt to sell Hermès handbags. This wasn't a planned segment; it was a seemingly spontaneous eruption of unintentional brilliance, a perfect storm of Affleck's deadpan delivery, the inherent absurdity of the situation, and the show's knack for capitalizing on unexpected gold. The resulting sketch, or rather, non-sketch, involving Affleck and a parade of vacuous ex-porn stars extolling the virtues of Hermès, became a viral sensation and a testament to the enduring power of accidental comedy. This article will delve into the specifics of this memorable moment, exploring its context within Affleck's career, the broader world of *SNL*, and the enduring allure of the Hermès brand itself.
The "Hermès Handbags" segment, as it's become known, wasn't a meticulously planned sketch with a detailed script. Instead, it emerged organically from a recurring *SNL* bit: the celebrity endorsement. Often, hosts would participate in a commercial parody, endorsing a product, usually with humorous results. However, Affleck's take on this was unique. There’s no readily available full transcript of this specific segment, showcasing the ephemeral nature of live television and the difficulty in capturing the nuanced comedic timing, but SNL Transcripts: Ben Affleck: 05/18/13: Hermes Handbags provides a glimpse into the event. The available snippets paint a picture of Affleck, seemingly uncomfortable yet committed, trying to navigate the absurdity of the situation. The humor derived not from a meticulously crafted script, but from the sheer unexpectedness of a serious A-list actor struggling to convincingly sell luxury handbags alongside a cast of characters whose previous careers were decidedly outside the realm of high fashion.
The choice of Hermès itself was significant. The brand represents the pinnacle of luxury, exclusivity, and unattainable aspiration. Its iconic Birkin bag, in particular, has achieved near-mythical status, symbolizing wealth, status, and a certain level of aspirational unattainability. The incongruity of Affleck, a seasoned actor known for dramatic roles and action films, attempting to sell such a product, added to the comedic effect. His delivery, a blend of forced enthusiasm and underlying discomfort, was precisely what made the moment so memorable. He wasn’t playing a character; he was seemingly just Ben Affleck, awkwardly trying to sell Hermès, and that authenticity was the key to its success.
The inclusion of the "vacuous ex-porn stars" further amplified the comedic incongruity. The juxtaposition of the high-end luxury of Hermès with the often-stereotyped image of ex-porn stars created a jarring contrast that was inherently funny. The humor stemmed from the unexpectedness of the pairing, the clash of worlds, and the subtle commentary on societal perceptions of both luxury goods and the adult film industry. This wasn't just a simple celebrity endorsement; it was a layered joke playing on class, aspiration, and the often-surreal nature of celebrity culture itself.
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