{"id":127615,"date":"2022-10-04T14:31:57","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T19:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=127615"},"modified":"2022-11-10T08:32:23","modified_gmt":"2022-11-10T14:32:23","slug":"genre-breakdown-comedy-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/genre-breakdown-comedy-film\/","title":{"rendered":"Genre Breakdown: The Different Types of Comedy Films"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this film genre exploration, we’ll trace the origins of comedy films and their sub-genres to better understand what makes an audience laugh.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this film genre exploration, we’ll trace the origins of comedy films and their sub-genres for a better idea of what makes an audience laugh.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When one thinks of classic cinema, many big, important names and films come to mind: Orson Welles<\/a> and Citizen Kane<\/em><\/a>, Alfred Hitchcock<\/a> and Psycho<\/em><\/a>, Humphrey Bogart<\/a> and Ingrid Bergman<\/a> in Casablanca<\/em><\/a>. Yet, the true \u2014 and often most provocative and innovative \u2014 pioneers of mainstream cinema are, in fact, the auteur directors of comedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Names like\u00a0Buster Keaton<\/a>,\u00a0Charlie Chaplin<\/a>,\u00a0Lucille Ball<\/a>, as well as some of the earliest works by the\u00a0Lumi\u00e8re Brothers<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Lon Chaney<\/a>, have proven that comedy is more than just a joke. It’s a rich, diverse genre that has consistently been a popular and essential part of the greater cinema tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let’s look at how the genre has evolved into its unique sub-divisions \u2014 and how you can summon laughter with your own comedic shorts and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slapstick Comedy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Charlie<\/a>
Charlie Chaplin performing his famous slapstick “potato dance” routine in <\/em>The Gold Rush<\/a>. (Image via United Artists.)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Charlie Chaplin in <\/em>The Gold Rush<\/a>. (Image via flickr.com.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you were to name one sub-genre as the default template for comedy films, slapstick comes immediately to mind. Slapstick traces its roots back to vaudeville and the stage, where actors perform exaggerated physical stunts and gags. Not surprisingly, this comedic style worked very well during the early days of silent cinema \u2014 it launched the careers of some of the biggest names in comedy, like Chaplin, Keaton, and\u00a0The Three Stooges<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elements of slapstick remain prevalent in modern comedy films as well \u2014 from child-friendly, cartoon slapstick gags in franchises like Despicable Me<\/em><\/a> to the stunts performed by Jim Carrey<\/a> in his over-the-top roles in The Mask<\/em><\/a> or Liar Liar<\/em><\/a>. Regardless of the comedic project, you’re working on, falling back on slapstick tropes is always good for a laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The foundations for slapstick comedy are; absurd situations, exaggerated humor, and reaction accompanied by vigorous energy. All of these are fundamental in creating a slapstick short. Our top tip would be to ensure you have an actor\/actress who can comfortably execute the physical demands of a slapstick performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your story does not have to be detailed or long, but your performer’s moves, actions, and reactions must be grand. Plenty of rehearsal time on a carefully planned routine is essential. As well as being able to maintain the physical demands of slapstick, your performer also needs to demonstrate over-the-top facial expressions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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