What What (In the Butt)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Made by Brownmark Films[1], What What (In the Butt) is a viral video for the song of the same name by Samwell, a singer, songwriter, and actor.[2] The video contains numerous camp references to homosexuality and anal sex.[3] The lyrics of the song mostly revolve around the title.[3]
The video lasts 3 minutes and 47 seconds, was made in widescreen format, and appears to have been produced entirely with a green screen. It was uploaded on Valentine's Day 2007 to YouTube and Google Video.[1] The song was produced by Giorgio (Mike Stasny)[4].
Samwell said in an interview with KROQ-FM that the opening image is "not a cross, but a flaming symbol that [he] just happened to use,"[5] but according to Giorgio, "[Samwell] wanted it because he's a Christian but he doesn't do Christian morality. For him having a burning cross is a way to pay respect to his beliefs."[4] It is followed by sighing lips superimposed on a chocolate heart, which quickly morphs into a chocolate star.[4] The purpose of the glossy mouth is to attract attention.[5] Both butt cheeks of Samwell's pants are decorated with the word "what."[6] The video also parodies the flower petal scene from the movie American Beauty.
Brownmark Films released an interview with Samwell on April 8, 2007.[7]
What What (In the Butt) was an official selection at the Milwaukee International Film Festival and the Mix Brasil Film Festival.
In April of 2008 Samwell appeared on the BBC television show Lily Allen and Friends for an interview and performance.
Samwell is unsigned, but the "What What" song is licensed through Fatboy Slim's record label, Southern Fried Records. The "What What" video is licensed through Brownmark Films.
The What What (In the Butt) song and video are available for download from iTunes and a full commercial release (with remixes by well-known artists) is expected in the summer of 2008. The original song appears to be dedicated to some Bryan Lawler, one of the men shown in the censored scenes with two nude males.
[edit] References in popular culture
- In episode 1204 of South Park, "Canada On Strike", the boys post a shot-for-shot remake video on "YouToob" of Butters singing Samwell's song What What (In the Butt); the video is an instant hit. Various other Internet memes are also featured.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Current project: "What What (In the Butt)" Music Video. Brownmark Films (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ Samwell - "What What (In the Butt)". Web Junk 20 (2007-02-16). Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ a b The last lovemaking taboo lifted?. MSNBC (2007-03-01). Retrieved on 2007-05-01. “Samwell tells us he is gay, but he’s not tapping into a gay audience, necessarily. He is tapping into the stupendous growth of interest in anal sex among everybody else.”
- ^ a b c Samwell asks the eternal question: "You want to do it in my butt?". Riverfront Times (2007-02-28). Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ a b Radio interview (MP3). Kevin and Bean on KROQ-FM (2007-03-05). Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ New Samwell Video - "What What (In the Butt)". Stereogum (2007-02-16). Retrieved on 2007-05-01. “The piece de resistance has gotta be either the extended smile, or the "What" on each ass cheek.”
- ^ Samwell "Interviewed" (2007-04-08). Retrieved on 2008-04-09.
