Year 10 ‘Laughter’ 2020

Comedic Text Study

Guide
 Pre-Viewing Activities:

Before we view the film [title here], you need to show me what you have
learned about genres of comedy and visual texts so far.

Look at the poster advertising the film below and complete the activities in the
table on the next page.
What images do you
see? They could be
people or things.

What is in the
foreground?

What is in the
background?

What are the key

words in the poster?

Consider the size,

font and colour used
in the text. What do
these suggest about
the plot and
characters in the
film?

What are the

dominant colours?

Does the poster

invite you to view
the film? Use
examples to explain
your answer.

What else do you

notice about the
poster?
The poster you have just analysed gives you some hints about what will happen
in the film. In the space below, make three predictions about the plot of the film
and explain how the poster suggests these events will take place.

1)

2)

3)

Which comedic genre do you think this film fits into? Justify your answer by
using examples from the poster.
 Viewing Activities:
As we watch the film, record examples of each genre convention that you see.
A table has been provided for you:

Comedic Genre: Examples from text

Genre Convention 1:

Genre Convention 2:

Genre Convention 3:
 Post - Viewing Activities:
Now that we have viewed the film in its entirety, complete the following
activities to show your engagement with the text:

List the top three moments that made you laugh when we were viewing the film
and explain why you found them to be funny.

1)

2)

3)

How did your predictions from the poster fit into the actual film? This question
is asking you to think about what you thought was going to happen and compare
it to what actually happened. Please give reasons to help explain your answer.
In the grid below you will be analysing the ways in which film techniques have
been used to set up the humour of ONE scene.

Scene Name:

Film Technique Example of use Impact on humour

Camera Angles

Camera Distance

Sound

Lighting

Costume

Actor’s Performance
Scene Name:

Film Technique Example of use Impact on humour

Camera Angles

Camera Distance

Sound

Lighting

Costume

Actor’s Performance
Scene Name:

Film Technique Example of use Impact on humour

Camera Angles

Camera Distance

Sound

Lighting

Costume

Actor’s Performance
For ONE of the scenes we have analysed above, answer the questions below.

Describe what each of the following is like in the trailer and explain whether or
not they add to its humour/comedy.

Characters:

Setting:

Costumes:

Situations:
Read the film review below and then find ONE other review and record the
positive and negative points made in both texts.

[insert review here]

Name the other review you found and where you found it in the space below:
 Positive Comments Negative Comments

Do the reviews you have looked at align with your impressions of the film?

Compose a short response explaining how your thoughts are the same or
different from the reviews that you have read.
 Challenge Activities:
Below are three possible pitches for films of different comedic genres. Choose
one and design a poster advertising this film.

Pitch 1: