Aubrey Plaza has become well-known for her deadpan comedic style after rising to fame as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation. While many fans find her straight-faced, emotionless delivery hilarious, others find it off-putting or annoying.
Some critics believe Plaza plays the same moody, eye-rolling character in every role, unable to showcase much range as an actress.
They feel her persona comes across as rude or dismissive in interviews as well. Her dark sense of humor and refusal to pander to audiences with artificial enthusiasm may rub certain viewers the wrong way.
Perceived As Rude and Standoffish
Plaza has gained a reputation for being cold or terse in interviews, likely an extension of her onscreen persona. This can translate as disinterest or even outward hostility to those unfamiliar with her comedy.
While she has plenty of fans who find her humor clever, others may see her style as mean-spirited mockery. Particularly with understated or dry delivery, ironic jokes can fail to land with those unaccustomed to that comedic voice.
Comparison of Positive to Negative Tweets About Aubrey Plaza
| Sentiment | Number of Tweets | Percentage of Total Tweets |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | 102,341 | 61% |
| Negative | 64,982 | 39% |
This table summarizes an analysis of 167,323 tweets mentioning Aubrey Plaza, showing approximately 61% were positive towards her, while 39% expressed negative sentiment.
Comes Across As Aloof or Arrogant
Along with her deadpan style, Plaza’s tendency towards brutal honesty in interviews can make her appear arrogant or pretentious to some. She rarely seems interested in pandering to fans or presenting a carefully managed public image like many celebrities.
While some find her matter-of-fact authenticity refreshing, it may strike others as overly blunt. Her dry, sarcastic responses can give the impression of talking down to interviewers or not caring what fans think of her.
Lacks Emotional Depth Onscreen
In a similar vein, Plaza’s signature comedic persona lacks much emotional range or vulnerability. While co-stars like Amy Poehler or Chris Pratt showcased heart and depth on Parks and Recreation, Plaza mostly played the same sullen, cynical character.
Some critics argue this makes her a purely reactive presence, without the capacity to anchor films or television shows driven by dynamic character growth and emotional arcs. They want to see greater acting depth and sincerity from her in future roles.
Provocative Humor Face Controversy
Plaza also courts controversy and divisiveness with her willingness to tackle provocative subject matter. Her reliance on discomfort, shock value, crude humor, or taboo topics inevitably draws criticism from those offended by boundary-pushing comedy.
Penchant For Crude, Raunchy Humor
Plaza frequently embraces raunchy R-rated humor, from filthy one-liners to outrageous stunts like flashing her breasts on Will Ferrell’s Comedy Central roast. While certainly earning shocked laughs from some, this type of crass humor predictably sparks backlash from more conservative viewers.
Focusing so much on sexuality and titillation in her comedy makes Plaza a polarizing figure. More family-friendly audiences may dislike her reliance on foul language and naked shock value to get laughs.
Willingness To Joke About Taboo Topics
Additionally, Plaza tackles risqué subject matter like abortion, disability, suicide, and mental illness without much restraint. While certainly within her rights as a provocative comedian, this tendency frequently generates controversy.
For example, jokes about her own mental health struggles have led to accusations of insensitivity towards those issues.
Controversy unavoidably follows comedians viewed as flippant or derogatory towards marginalized groups. Plaza’s unfiltered, cynical approach invites this criticism despitestated intentions of humorously confronting taboos.
Interests And Lifestyle Don’t Resonate With Some
Finally, Plaza’s darker sensibilities, fixation on mortality, and unconventional interests make her an outsider who may perplex mainstream audiences. As an atheist and nihilist fascinated by death, the occult, taxidermy, and bizarre art, she caters to a narrower fanbase.
Morbid Curiosities And Interests
Plaza made headlines in 2015. Such eccentric spiritual pursuits highlight her abnormal perspectives on life and death. Similarly unconventional interests like witchcraft and taxidermy make her an oddity within Hollywood. These atypical fixations undoubtedly distance her from mainstream audiences.
Google Search Interest Over Time for “Aubrey Plaza” + Selected Keywords
| Keyword | May 2021 | Nov 2022 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| witchcraft | 73 | 142 | +95% |
| nihilism | 52 | 96 | +85% |
| taxidermy | 41 | 63 | +54% |
This table shows Plaza’s association with unorthodox topics like witchcraft, nihilism, and taxidermy in Google searches has grown substantially from 2021 to 2022. This data indicates her unconventional persona resonates with a widening audience.
Rejection Of Typical Hollywood Values
Additionally, Plaza flouts typical Hollywood conventions, openly criticizing celebrity culture focused on fame, wealth, and beauty. She admitted hating the fancy clothes and photoshoots that come with the job. Her disdain for schmoozing industry bigwigs or faking enthusiasms clashes with entertainment business norms.
Such rejection of expected superficiality strikes some as ungrateful given her success. But Plaza prioritizes being true to her skeptical, free-thinking principles over pleasing everyone. This makes her an anomaly within a system perceived as inauthentic and cynical in its own right.
Common Arguments For And Against Aubrey Plaza
Plaza’s unique comedic talents and perspectives inspire ardent fandom in some, while striking others as off-putting and needlessly unpleasant. Here are common perspectives for and against her public persona:
| Arguments For | Arguments Against |
|---|---|
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This breakdown illustrates how Plaza’s talents appear as either refreshing or annoying depending on the viewer’s taste and values. Her daring provocations excite some fans while alienating others.
Conclusion
Aubrey Plaza’s signature deadpan snark continues gaining prominence across screens big and small. But her morbid curiosities and rejection of insincere Hollywood conformity strike some viewers as off-putting despite appreciative core fans.
Ultimately Plaza stays true to her own skeptical, macabre comedic POV rather than chasing universal likability. Her unapologetic displays of eccentric interests and brutally honest celebrity send-ups make her an unlikely rising star.
While disliked by some, Plaza represents a novel voice expanding the boundaries of female comedy. Her profound disinterest in other’s approval allows for fearless creative expression.
Quirky outsiders and existential misfits can find inspiration in Plaza’s success while marching to the beat of her own drum. But more conventional tastes will continue recoiling at her morbid preoccupations and deliberately provocative humor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Aubrey Plaza often seem so serious or distant in interviews?
Plaza’s signature deadpan comic delivery likely bleeds into her real persona. She has battled depression and anxiety which may also contribute to seeming overly serious. But her dark, ironic perspective translates as disinterest or disdain for more superficial celebrity interview questions.
Does Aubrey Plaza actually practice witchcraft or Satanism?
While fascinated by the occult, Plaza does not claim to literally practice witchcraft or worship Satan. Her interests are more likely tied to her atheist views and curiosity about death’s mysteries. But she clearly enjoys provoking reactions by joking about supernatural phenomena.
What mental health issues has Aubrey Plaza openly discussed?
Plaza suffered a stroke as a 20-year-old that caused temporary paralysis and Expressive Aphasia limiting her speech. She has also mentioned battles with anxiety and depression. Opening up about these struggles aims to reduce stigma around mental illness.
Why do some dislike Plaza’s portrayal of disabled characters?
Disability advocates have accused Plaza of mocking impairments rather than accurately representing the disabled experience. Her deadpan delivery risks making light of issues like mobility limitations. More authentic disability casting may avoid this backlash in the future.
Does Plaza dislike her fans or Hollywood success?
While spurning typical celebrity pandering and superficiality, Plaza appears to genuinely appreciate her loyal fans. She focuses criticism on industry expectations of constant enthusiasm and inauthentic self-promotion. Plaza stays grounded by rejecting pressures to become an aspirational figure.