What What (In the Butt)
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, a reference to the anal sphincter.[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.
On April 8, 2007, Brownmark Films released an interview with Samwell.[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 signed to Fatboy Slim's record label, Southern Fried Records. 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 May of 2008.
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 the song (although renamed "What What (In My Asshole)"), which is an instant hit. Although believed to be renamed this, in the waiting room scene Butters clearly says that the song is entitled "What What In the Butt" in an attempt to correct Tron guy.
References
- ^ a b "Current project: "What What (In the Butt)" Music Video". Brownmark Films. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
- ^ "Samwell - "What What (In the Butt)"". Web Junk 20. 2007-02-16. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "The last lovemaking taboo lifted?". MSNBC. 2007-03-01. Retrieved 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.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c "Samwell asks the eternal question: "You want to do it in my butt?"". Riverfront Times. 2007-02-28. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "Radio interview" (MP3). Kevin and Bean on KROQ-FM. 2007-03-05. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "New Samwell Video - "What What (In the Butt)"". Stereogum. 2007-02-16. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
The piece de resistance has gotta be either the extended smile, or the "What" on each ass cheek.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Samwell "Interviewed"". Web Junk 20. 2007-04-09. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)