A Short Look At Funny Movies

by Joseph Pope

The task of creating a funny film is a daunting proposition. It is susceptible to either not pushing the boundaries of taste enough or to pushing them too far and alienating an audience in one direction or the other. Few entertainers have really mastered this craft, but the ones who have, have been rewarded with legendary status.

The past works that have fallen into the category of comedic film are as diverse as the characters behind them. Movie making has matured and changed over the years, and so has all of its many classes. The study of film from its genesis onward is a fascinating and worthy endeavor.

The general public first started to recognize films en masse in the early part of the twentieth century. Film makers quickly grasped the scope of what could be done with the medium, and veered away from producing only dramatic works. Realizing the appeal of laughter as a worthy form of entertainment, they gave birth to what we now know and love as the comedic film.

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 gets inspiration for his articles from many different sources. The inspiration for this piece was a fine website that he hopes you’ll enjoy as well. It’s well known for funny junk, and is a site that’s worth looking at.