A Short Look At Funny Movies

A Short Look At Funny Movies

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.

Through the progression of film, it has always had to cater to a moviegoer that is traditionally somewhat of a fickle creature. This reality affects all forms of film. Therefore, all forms have had to adapt over time.

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.

Television would be next in line to alter the landscape. Many movie concepts were adapted into something of a more episodic nature to facilitate this new medium. Many of us are old enough to remember nights spent watching the antics of Jackie Gleason, or wondering what mischief Lucille Ball would get into this time.

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.