The Role of Visual Comedy: A Study on Visual Comedy Techniques within Cinema Culture

Katz, Elliot

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design

2019-08

Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Film and Television

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Film and Television

Includes bibliographical references: pages 27-28

"This thesis paper unfolds the importance of visual comedy and the techniques that have helped make visual comedies successful. Similar to other film genres, several visual comedy trends and patterns have undergone an exhaustive process of trial and error. Comedy filmmakers began constantly experimenting with various formulas in order to improve the demonstration of their jokes on screen; however, early refinements of the genre led to the successful birth of 'Visual Comedy.' Subsequently, later comedic filmmakers eventually shifted their focus towards reviving creative opportunities within the frame rather than solely its dialogue. Since then, the success of the genre has reached massive syndication; pushing several ubiquitous filmmakers to hone their craft. First, the paper will examine how pioneer directors have innovated in this genre. Secondly, the paper will examine techniques that have been successful in this genre. Lastly, the paper will explain how I have applied visual comedy techniques in my thesis film."

*Includes the film "The Human Condition," which "takes place in a robotic society where feeling empathy is considered forbidden and perceived as a systematic error that will inevitably lead to termination"--Thesis, page 21

*Keywords: visual comedy, techniques, close-ups, trick shots, Charlie Chaplin, Monty Python, Edgar Wright

CHAIR: Newton, Alexander

Kocka, Lubomir

Meyer, Andrew

English

Film and Television

Text, film

1 text file (thesis) : PDF, 28 pages, illustrations (some color) + 1 film (approximately 11 min.) : WMV, sound, color

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