Movies
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to my underground lair. I have gathered here before me the worlds deadliest assassins.
— Dr. Evil · Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The speaker welcomes a gathering with grand formality, then identifies the venue as an underground lair and the guests as deadly assassins. That combination gives an ordinary ceremonial introduction an absurdly sinister subject. One reading finds humour in how neatly the dangerous claims fit the language of polite hosting.
Context reviewed