MORE comedy films😍

We have finally come to the end of this research. After dissecting a couple more short films, it is time to put this project into full motion.

The first short film I watched is called, "My Kreepy Teacher” which is supposedly satire for a Netflix documentary called “My Octopus Teacher.”

The short film parodies the original by replacing the octopus with a pool cleaning device called a Kreepy Crawly. The narrator speaks in the same earnest, philosophical tone as in the original documentary, creating humor through the contrast between the profound narration and the simple subject matter of a pool cleaner. The humor builds as the narrator describes his daily visits to the pool to observe the cleaner, marveling at how "its pipe sort of never gets tangled" and how it "disappears into the deep end." When the pool cleaner reaches the surface, he wants to push it back underwater but restrains himself because that would be "interfering with the filter" - a parody of the non-intervention philosophy discussed in the original documentary. The satire works effectively by maintaining the serious, contemplative tone of a nature documentary while applying it to an ordinary household item, creating humor through the deliberate mismatch between tone and subject.

The last short film I will have watched as of now is called "The Absent-Minded Waiter" (1977); this short film was nominated for an Oscar.

One thing about me is that I do not to older films (for the most part), but I really wanted to observe a different type of film. 

"The Absent-Minded Waiter" is a 1977 Oscar-nominated short film starring Steve Martin as the titular character. The film centers on a couple, Mr. Cates and his wife Susan, who visit a restaurant with a notoriously absent-minded waiter. Mr. Cates brings his wife there specifically for the "unforgettable experience" of being served by this waiter, though he doesn't tell her what to expect. The comedy builds through a series of escalating service mistakes. When taking their order, the waiter repeatedly asks if they'd like drinks even after they've ordered martinis multiple times. He brings them six martinis and a "lard omelette" they never ordered. Later, he brings dessert before they've received their main course, explaining that he "just went to the Bahamas for a moment" when they point this out. The humor comes from the extreme incompetence of the waiter contrasted with Mr. Cates' bizarre anticipation of the terrible service as some kind of entertainment. The short uses physical comedy, timing, and the increasing frustration of Mrs. Cates to build laughs. The structure follows a clear setup (introducing the absent-minded waiter concept), escalation (increasingly absurd service errors), and punchline (the ridiculous overpayment and immediate seating of new customers). This film demonstrates how a simple premise with strong characterization and progressively worsening situations can create effective comedy without needing complex plot elements or setups.

Based on studying these three comedy shorts, I can see several approaches to effective short-form comedy. I can create my own short film by displaying relatable situation, parodying different film conventions, build comedy through increasingly absurd circumstances, and so much more. For my own short film, I should focus on establishing a clear comedic premise in the first 30 seconds, using natural dialogue to drive the story, and creating humor through tension, contrast, or escalation. Whether I choose situation comedy, parody, or character-driven humor, keeping the runtime tight (under 5 minutes) will help maintain comedic momentum; I see the time limit as an advantage. The most successful elements across these films are relatable scenarios, surprising twists, and characters whose reactions feel authentic even in absurd situations. By starting with a strong, simple concept and focusing on timing and performance, I can create a memorable comedy short that connects with viewers and establishes the purpose I want it to.

I am so freaking excited. Let’s get it!!!!