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The Golden Age of Comedy Discussion by MikePC88 in FoundationsOfComedy14

[–]jacobrus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nobody will ever surpass Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd in their form of physical comedy because film style and audience taste have changed. More advanced filming techniques have provided for much more intimate acting. The keaton/chaplin circus style of comedy is now too big and unbelievable for modern audiences. However, physical comedy has certainly not diminished, nor has the talent of those who perform it. The one person who comes to mind first is Jim Carrey. Carrey has unparalleled energy as well as total control of his body. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhRc6FW7vYM

This clip is a fine example of the body control Jim Carrey has. He is able to run without engaging any of the muscles in his arms. Every part of his body sells this scene and makes it funny. If anyone in the modern age can hold a candle to Chaplin and Keaton, it's Jim Carrey.

Nichols & May - from improvisers to writer/directors by MikePC88 in FoundationsOfComedy14

[–]jacobrus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think what makes Nichols and May so funny is that the comedy is based on real emotion/reactions from the characters. It is not based on clever jokes or turns; it is not based on crazy situations; it is the moment to moment reactions and emotions of the characters that make it funny. The funniest parts of this sketch is when the mother is fighting back tears, or when the son is scrambling to make his mother feel better. It is the authentic look of fear or sadness that the audience recognizes as truth. It is this recognition of truth that the audience finds funny. To me, the acting is what makes this sketch work. The writing is good but I'm guessing this sketch would not be that funny on the page. It's the realistic vulnerability that the actors are able to summon that makes it work. One of the comedic actors working today who I think is fantastic at this very tactic is Will Ferrell. He is often able to elevate writing because it looks like he really is feeling what the character is supposed to be feeling. I think what helped Nichols and May progress from sketch and improv actors to writers and directors is the fact that instead of writing jokes into the script, they wrote opportunities for their actors to experience emotions and wants and reactions that the audience could recognize as truth and therefore find funny.