Writing comedy is hard. (Just ask Seth Rogen.) I've been trying to nail the tone of this comedy script I've been working on, and it feels like I'm walking a fine line. I want it to feel "real," but I also want the opportunity to have big laughs at some ridiculous things. Basically, I'm trying to find the line of slapstick comedy. But when I mentioned that to a producer, they didn't know the term, so I thought it would be a good topic for a post. Today, we're going to go over the subgenre, define it, and look at some examples. Let's dive in. Slapstick Comedy DefinitionSlapstick comedy is a visually driven style of humor that relies on exaggerated actions and absurd situations to generate laughs. It's incredibly physical and visceral. Slapstick Comedy Characteristics The best way to understand slapstick comedy is to look at all the elements and characteristics that you may recognize from some of your favorite movies and shows. Here are a few core elements you can use to identify it. Physical Action: This is the cornerstone of slapstick: pratfalls, collisions, chases, slip and falls, and other exaggerated hijinks.The humor is primarily visual, meaning it's conveyed through actions rather than dialogue. Absurdity: Slapstick often features situations that are illogical or improbable. This contributes to the overall sense of fun and silliness. Timing: Precise timing is crucial in slapstick. The comedic effect hinges on the perfect execution of physical actions and reactions.These things all stand out as the...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Monday, 10 March