Unraveling the Mystery: What Song Did Gru Steal from Maxime?
For fans of the Despicable Me franchise, a lingering question might pop up during a rewatch of the first film: What exactly was the song that our favorite supervillain, Gru, attempted to steal from the villainous fashion designer, Maxime Le Mal? This moment, though brief, is a classic example of Gru's early, more selfish villainy and his penchant for audacious (and sometimes misguided) plans.
The song in question, the one that Maxime Le Mal was so proud of and that Gru deemed worthy of pilfering, is a catchy and rather peculiar tune titled "Make 'Em Laugh."
The Significance of "Make 'Em Laugh" in the Plot
In the context of the movie Despicable Me, Gru's intention to steal "Make 'Em Laugh" was part of his grander scheme to steal the Moon. His arch-nemesis, Vector, had stolen a shrink ray from Gru, a crucial tool for his lunar heist. In a desperate attempt to retrieve the shrink ray, Gru decided to infiltrate Vector's highly secure fortress. However, his initial plan involved a distraction.
Maxime Le Mal, a flamboyant and egomaniacal fashion designer, was hosting a lavish party. Gru, disguised, intended to steal the shrink ray while the guests, including Vector, were captivated by a performance of "Make 'Em Laugh." The implication is that this song was considered a highly entertaining or significant performance that would draw everyone's attention away from any clandestine activities. It was also revealed that the song was written by a composer named Al J. Neely, who was a member of the villain collective, and that Maxime was planning to debut it at his party.
Why "Make 'Em Laugh"?
The choice of "Make 'Em Laugh" as the target for theft is rather ironic. The song itself is about the importance of humor and entertainment, a stark contrast to Gru's dark and ambitious villainy. However, for Gru, it wasn't about appreciating the song's artistry; it was about its utility. He saw it as a tool for misdirection, a way to facilitate his own criminal endeavors. The humor in the scene comes from the fact that Gru, a master of evil, is contemplating stealing something so seemingly innocent and designed to bring joy.
It's also worth noting that the song's title perfectly encapsulates the initial goal of the Despicable Me franchise: to entertain its audience and "make them laugh." This subtle meta-commentary adds another layer of enjoyment for observant viewers.
Gru's Failed Attempt
Ultimately, Gru's plan to steal the shrink ray and, by extension, the song, doesn't go as smoothly as he'd hoped. His disguise is compromised, and he ends up in a confrontation with Vector, leading to his initial failure to retrieve the shrink ray. The song "Make 'Em Laugh," therefore, becomes a symbol of Gru's early, less successful villainous endeavors, a stepping stone on his path to becoming the more (arguably) lovable character we know today.
The song itself is presented as a showstopper, a piece of entertainment so compelling that it would command the undivided attention of a room full of villains and their associates. This highlights Maxime Le Mal's status as a significant figure in the villainous world and underscores the importance of the item Gru was trying to acquire.
The Composer and Context
The song "Make 'Em Laugh" was composed by Al J. Neely, a character within the film's universe. This detail adds to the fictional world-building, suggesting a community of villains with their own cultural touchstones and creative endeavors. Maxime Le Mal's ownership and planned debut of the song at his party solidify its importance within the narrative and for Gru's plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Gru plan to steal the song?
Gru didn't necessarily plan to steal the song itself as a physical object. His intention was to steal the shrink ray that was being used as a prop by Maxime Le Mal during the performance of "Make 'Em Laugh." The song was meant to serve as a distraction, drawing everyone's attention away from his actual objective.
Why was "Make 'Em Laugh" so important to Maxime Le Mal?
While the film doesn't go into extreme detail, "Make 'Em Laugh" was a new song that Maxime Le Mal was planning to debut at his party. As a fashion designer and presumably a showman, introducing a new, entertaining piece would have been a significant event for him, likely intended to boost his ego and public profile within the villain community.
Did Gru actually steal the song?
No, Gru did not actually steal the song "Make 'Em Laugh." His attempt to infiltrate the party and steal the shrink ray was unsuccessful. While he was present during the performance and it played a role in his plan, the song itself remained in Maxime Le Mal's possession.
What is the musical style of "Make 'Em Laugh"?
The song "Make 'Em Laugh," as depicted in the film, is a lively and theatrical piece. It has a classic show tune feel, designed to be catchy and engaging, fitting the opulent and somewhat over-the-top nature of Maxime Le Mal's party and persona.
