Comedy Genre

Sian Hayler-Magenis

History of Comedy Genre

`

The history of comedy genre dates back to 425 BCE, in which a playwright named Aristophanes wrote 40 comedies for Ancient Greek Theatre. These plays were obscene and often involved songs of phallic processions- according to some, these made fun at other people or stereotypes. A Shakespearean or Elizabethan comedy, on the other hand, generally had happy endings, usually involving marriages, and were more light-hearted than other Shakespearean plays. They normally had multiple, intertwining plotlines and involved themes of deception, separation and re-unification and struggle.

History of Comedy Genre

`

The use of the cinema in the late 19th century alongside the invention of television and radio in the 20th century allowed for more comedians to be publicised. Charlie Chaplin was a comedian who became known worldwide, and the use of silent comedy became popular with characters such as Mr. Bean in the 20th century. American television has had a big impact on the history of the comedy genre, with series such as M*A*S*H, Seinfeld, Friends and The Simpsons- shows which are known worldwide. British TV has also had an impact, with series such as Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Dad s Army and Blackadder.

Popular Comedy Films

`

Popular comedy films are films such as Forrest Gump (1994), Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1974), How To Train Your Dragon (2010), Mean Girls (2004) and Zombieland (2009). Most of these movies are of different types of comedy genre, such as teen comedy, romantic comedy and social comedy. Due to these differences in genre most of these films do not have clear similarities in storyline but do still follow similar conventions- for example, stereotypical characters, the setting effecting greatly on the storyline and characters (such as a high school or apocalyptic world) and gags and jokes used throughout in a particular comedic style.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2009)

` `

Link to the opening here Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a film of mixed genres, but has comedy as one of its major genres. A key convention used in the opening of this movie is the characters being stereotypical- the whole movie is essentially based around nerds and video-game culture and so particular factors are emphasised to make it more comedic. This is seen straight away with the use of diegetic sound and the logo for universal studios at the beginning- the 8 -bit music has strong connotations of retro video games, linking straight to one of the main themes of the movie. The use of text and editing in the film opening alongside the non-diegetic narration gives a comic-book feel to the opening and immediately sets the tone and scene by introducing main characters and setting in a creative, interesting way.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2009)

`

The use of props and mise-en-scene is particularly conventional in this opening, pertaining to stereotypes of characters being nerdy with a games console prop (accompanied by diegetic sound effects in the background of their conversation) being held by one of the characters. Various camera angles are used throughout the opening, focusing on the facial expressions and actions of the main characters, wide shots that show the band s set up in the room and zoom ands pans which follow the flow and pace of the scene. Titling used is simple but effective with an animated, colourful backdrop against the text, with diegetic music playing in the background which links to the characters as they are in a band.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2009)

`

Overall, this film opening has various conventions pertaining to one of its major genres- comedyspecifically, through the use of stereotypes and exaggeration, with the occasional joke or gag being made through the use of dialogue. A key theme in this opening is nerd culture , with video game and comic book references being made with the use of various things such as editing and text as well as diegetic sound.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)

` `

Link to opening (only analysed until 3:00) This film opening is different to the previous film opening analysed, but still pertains to the comedy genre (amongst other genres such as romance and drama.) This type of comedy is also different to that of the analysis, as it focuses more on exaggeration of odd scenarios and social realism rather than stereotypes. The opening starts out with a mid-shot that reveals a teenage girl and her father, not fully showing what the girl is wearing. The non-diegetic music is used to add to the odd, comical nature of what is happening alongside the small disagreement the characters are having. A wide shot used shows clearly what she is wearing and it is made obvious that her father is driving alongside her- the costume (a use of mise-en-scene) being the joke of the clip. Later on the people at the party laughing at her bring some social realism to the opening to make it more relatable as the female protagonist is out of place- shown through the use of wide shots which show her amongst all the people.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)

`

There is a use of non-diegetic music throughout the piece is used at particular points to enhance the oddity of the protagonist s costume- such as when she knocks a girl s drink out of her hand. Dialogue between her and her friends highlights how she is out of place with her friends- giving a social realism aspect to the opening as it is stereotypical for teenagers to feel that way. The titles are shown as she walks back home through the streets, emphasising how she is out of place where she lives- this can either add humour or social realism but does not particularly fit to comedy conventions. Overall, this film opening does not necessarily fit to the generic conventions of comedy but it does have aspects which fit. This film opening seems to focus more on the character s struggles and conflicts with people around her in terms of social realism to give a comedic slant.

Generic Conventions
Common conventions involved in comedy movies: ` Two or three main characters with strong differentiating characteristics ` Characters have stereotypical traits which are overexaggerated ` Plotline usually based around a conflict ` Ridiculous or exaggerated scenarios ` Love interests ` Clear differentiation between popular and unpopular characters