A Short Look At Funny Movies
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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.
People first started flocking to films in the early 1900s. It wasn’t long before creators of these films realized that many of these people would appreciate a chuckle as much as they would the more serious entertainment of dramatic movies. This is how comedy in film was born. Since then, it has taken on a life of its own and gone in many different directions.
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.
Limitations of technology through the years have also most certainly played a part in the resulting films that have come out of any given era. The first films were silent, therefore the stars of that era had to work with what they had. Timing and physical comedy held a major role in the show. Consider the slapstick humor made famous by people such as Charlie Chaplin.
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 notable change in the way things were done came about due to new talent, not new toys, when Woody Allen brought about an entire style all his own. Everyone has their own favorite picks out of the truly staggering amount of films this genius has produced throughout his career. His trademark was the use of unusually witty dialogue to exaggerate normal conversation.
Film serves, in part, as a window into the past. We can count ourselves lucky to live in such times when this window is so easily available to anyone interested in looking through it. The next time you’re searching for something to do, why not rent several comedic releases of bygone times, and witness the progression for yourself.
