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The Art Of The Comical Film

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Written by Joseph Pope

Saturday, 10 May 2008

by JosephPope

Comedy is a discretionary endeavor. The common pitfall of those who chase it is to either go too far or not go far enough. The compromise between these that will appeal to a wide audience is a goal not attained by many.

What is the progression of the funny film? The answer to this can be as different as the actors involved in them. But if we really look into it, we are able to see trends in comedy throughout the years.

Movies first gained a wide audience in the early 1900s. Soon after, film makers came to the realization that audiences enjoyed a good laugh just as much as they enjoyed the twists and turns of a fine drama. Thus, the comedic film was born, and has since grown into a wide assortment of sub-genres within the class.

The moviegoer's preference has always been a personal and ever-changing matter. This applies not just to comedic releases, but to all genres. As a result of this, all genres have to adapt from one moment to the next, resulting in a level of sophistication that waxes and wanes.

Something that has played a part in the advancement of film, is simply the technology of an age. When movies could only be silent, the actors and actresses of the day had to respect that limitation. Comedy of a more physical nature was the flavor of the moment, seen by such performers as Buster Keaton.

When it was possible to introduce sound into film, talented performers invented new ways to entertain. Who could forget popular acts such as Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy, both troupes responsible for entertainment legacies. Just say the words, "Who's on first?" in any crowd, and you'll most likely get an immediate reaction.

The next technological innovation to come along and change the way things were done was the television. The 1950s saw many films being turned into episodes to accommodate a weekly television schedule. Who among us who grew up in that era doesn't fondly remember "The Honeymooners?"

The next shake-up of the status quo came not of technology, but simply through a fresh voice. Woody Allen, whose style was that of incomparable wit, has produced a seemingly endless amount of films. In this day and age, we are all too used to this method of storytelling, but there was little that resembled it before his appearance.

As a result of the hard work and dedication of all these masters of the art, and the popularity that they achieved, the modern film connoisseur can track down all sorts of comedic films in their local video store. An endeavor I recommend for anyone, if not for the enjoyment of the film itself, then for a look into the times they were filmed in. There really is so much we can learn by watching films from different eras.

About the Author:

Joseph Pope works as a consultant for companies who would enjoy an increased internet presence. Currently, he would like to introduce you to the best source for funny junk that he knows of.

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