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What is Slapstick? A Discussion of Definitions
Dee Major replied to Dr. Rich Edwards's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
I like this idea: "the absence of expected violence." I much prefer this aspect of near-miss (the hero ducks and the villain gets the pie) rather than the "bonk you on the head/poke you in the eye" retaliation / escalation violence of, say, the Three Stooges. -
Thanks for sharing these -- I've never seen a Jackie Chan film but that "Every Frame a Painting" clip makes me want to see more. Really interesting commentary on how he demands a still camera, which frames the space & helps us see the comedy and the fight -- unlike the quick editing style which is confusing. We see the gags in silent films because they didn't use a lot of fancy camera movement and editing. Also excellent evidence of the pauses for reaction and facial expression. And AMAZING stunts! Any recommendation for which Jackie Chan film I should start with?
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Problems with Canvas Dashboard?
Dee Major replied to Marianne's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
I just used: http://tinypic.com/ and once it is uploaded, use the last option: "direct link for layouts" Thanks!- 38 replies
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I just watched the three Chaplin movies ("By the Sea," "Tillie's Punctured Romance," and "A Dog's Life") because I wanted to see the context for the clips you used. Thanks for posting the Internet Archive link on "The Movies" page -- I'd never used it before. What a great resource! https://archive.org/
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Very interesting analysis -- would have loved to see even more discussion and examples. I have a historical question: do you know where these particular films were made? I think Mack Sennett was based in the east and filmed in ? New York/New Jersey area? But I remember reading that for a time Charlie Chaplin moved his production to Chicago. There is a studio here in Chicago on Argyle, now St. Augustine College. It was called Essanay and the sign over the door remains -- it has landmark status. Of course, Chicago winters made filming year round difficult so everyone headed to Californi
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What is Slapstick? A Discussion of Definitions
Dee Major replied to Dr. Rich Edwards's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
Classic clown set up involves status: the #1 and the #2, the boss / the servant, the smart one / the dumb one. And we like to see power deflated and the underdog triumph. That's a tradition from way back in commedia, in the circus with ringmaster vs. clown, it's just a great way to get a situation started. -
What is Slapstick? A Discussion of Definitions
Dee Major replied to Dr. Rich Edwards's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
Those are great examples! I love how SLOW and deliberate the actions and reactions are in the Laurel/Hardy/Lupe scene -- and I love that the girl gives as good as she gets. Interesting how they set up a rhythm and then break it. Also clearly an example of the slapstick interrupting the flow of the story. And the second clip: I've always said that I hate the Three Stooges but this clip was so different from anything I've seen -- definitely could use some sound fx to make it more "make believe" but it is so absurd and over the top! -
What is Slapstick? A Discussion of Definitions
Dee Major replied to Dr. Rich Edwards's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
One of the most important differences between regular theatre and clown theatre is that the clown has a direct connection to the audience -- I've always loved that Keaton and Chaplin would do a "take" directly to the camera when they reacted to what just happened. An short pause in the action that draws the audience in... -
What is Slapstick? A Discussion of Definitions
Dee Major replied to Dr. Rich Edwards's topic in OUCH! A Salute to Slapstick
Great story. This is like observing everyday people when they trip -- how do they react? Look around to see if anyone saw them? pretend it didn't happen? laugh at themselves? The origins of slapstick are found in real life. -
What a great example of set up - schtick - blow off or if you prefer, beginning - middle - end of a gag. To me the most important part is the relationship -- high status (gardener) vs. low status (boy). The boy causes mischief that punctures the gardeners authority. Comparing the two versions, I think the second is funnier mostly because the tables turn -- the boy gets sprayed. But also the spanking in the original version is prolonged and repeated which makes it more real and serious. But I agree that the gardener's straw hat being knocked off is a very good visual.