Making Audiences Laugh
I think it is safe to say my favorite film genre of all time is comedy. Although comedy movies do not elicit deep thinking and make you question your very existence, they are sometimes what is needed to have fun after a difficult day.
Comedy films have been making audiences laugh since the early days of cinema. This genre has entertained viewers for decades with its blend of humor, wit, and "larger-than-life" characters. In exploring the conventions and evolution of comedy films, we can see why this genre remains a staple of the movie industry.
Content:
At their core, comedy films aim to start laughter through exaggerated situations, absurd and ironic circumstances, as well as humorous characters. The content often focuses on misunderstandings, complications, mishaps, and awkward moments that spiral out of control. Characters tend to be outrageous, eccentric, or placed in unlikely scenarios. Dialogue emphasizes comedic timing, witty banter, and pop culture references. The stories follow humorous situations rather than serious plots.
In embodying these genre conventions, comedy films like The Hangover (2009) elicit laughs by pushing boundaries. Its outrageous premise of a Las Vegas bachelor party gone wrong allows for provocative humor and mismatches between the men's clashing personalities. The absurd situation spirals through missteps and complications. Fast pacing, snappy editing, and deadpan acting heighten the absurdity. The film became a major hit by amplifying the genre's conventions.
The Hangover (2009)
While some comedies like The Hangover aim for laughs from suggestive dialogue, others thrive on awkward humor. Bridesmaids (2011) exemplifies this comedy subset with its cringe-inducing mishaps and taboo behavior amongst a friend group. The lead woman's escalating jealousy and paranoid acts lead to a series of embarrassing moments played for amusement. Much of the awkward, irreverent humor arises from the ensemble cast's personalities and insecurities. Bridesmaids became a hit by embracing embarrassing scenarios and down-to-earth characters.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Production Techniques:
Beyond content, comedy films utilize specific production techniques to maximize laughter and good feelings among the audience. Fast pacing keeps the jokes flowing while "snappy" editing highlights humorous situations. Music and sound effects punctuate comedic moments and add to the absurdity. Acting often involves exaggerated expressions and deadpan delivery for an ironic effect. Frequent close-ups capture characters' reactions. Camera angles emphasize the ridiculousness of the circumstances. Every filmmaking choice aims to build nonstop laughs.
Marketing:
The marketing for comedy films highlights these humorous elements to attract audiences seeking entertainment and levity. Promotional materials, such as trailers and advertisements feature seemingly outrageous scenes, quirky characters, and quotes that capture a humorous tone. Listing comedic actors and their previous popular funny roles taps into audience familiarity. Classifying movies as "comedy" in listings clearly sets expectations. While some genres like drama may appeal to critics, comedy films openly court mainstream viewers looking for sheer amusement and entertainment.
The 2010 comedy The Spy Next Door showcases outrageous circumstances for humor. The story follows a retired CIA spy forced to take care of his girlfriend's three children while Russian mobsters hunt him down. The mismatch between the spy's dangerous world and the mundane suburban setting allows for absurd predicaments. His spy skills lead to over-the-top action played for laughs, like using kitchen appliances to take down villains. The children's interference and rule-breaking heighten the chaos. The film amplifies the comedy through its unlikely blend of family-friendly characters with spy-movie stunts and effects.
The 2015 comedy Daddy's Home showcases the awkward humor that arises from a blended family dynamic. Mark Wahlberg plays a mild-mannered stepdad who must contend with his wife's former rugged, freewheeling husband. The contrast between their personalities as they one-up each other for the kids' affection leads to outrageous competitions, crass behavior, and comedic mishaps. Much of the humor comes from the tension between the two as they struggle to figure out their new roles. The film exemplifies using unlikely circumstances between mismatched characters to bring the comedy.
Other Comedy Films:
The conventions of comedy cinema continue evolving with the times while holding onto the fundamental goal of making people laugh. As tastes change, edgier comedies embrace more irreverent humor while broader films incorporate action and effects. Regardless of the sub-genre, comedy remains a crucial testament to the power of laughter. In times of social upheaval or uncertainty, the release of comedy continues to provide much-needed relief.
Sources:
