Codes and Conventions of Comedy

Katie Storer A2 Media

1. Comedy Codes and Conventions Katie Storer

2. Camera A wide range of camera shots are used to highlight comedic action and facial features. For example, CU and POV are often used so as to position the audience with the protagonist, enhancing comedic moments. Low and high angle shots are used frequently to exaggerate a character’s power and status. Often the camera’s movements are very naturalistic as comedies create a sense of ‘realism’- making the production more relatable for an audience.

3. Lighting Bright, colourful lighting is often used to reflect the upbeat, light tone of the film. Audiences associate the comedy genre with vibrancy and joy. Sound Sound effects are stereotypically used throughout comedy films, acting as codes or markers and enhancing comedic effect( EG. Slapstick sounds).

4. Mise -En-Scene Conventionally, Comedies aim to construct a form of ‘realism’, resulting in the use of Invisible Editing. However, Comedic timing is key- editors must chose when to cut to a relevant reaction or character and create a pregnant pause. It is also important to build a form of dramatic irony, letting the audience see the joke slightly before the characters. Editing Mise -en-Scene is often exaggerated in order to create a comedic effect- make-up and costume are vital in creating a preferred reading of a laughable character. The audience must be encouraged to laugh through the use of technical and symbolic codes in order to prevent guilt for laughing. Stereotypes are used as a cultural shorthand (Dutton) in order to increase comedic value of characters.

5. Themes and Motifs Comedies cover a wide range of themes and narratives. Due to the typical use of this genre within a hybrid as a sub-genre, narratives commonly involve action, romance or sci-fi. The genre can also take many forms, such as ‘Black Comedy’,used in satirical or dramatic films, which uses dark humour to make light of a usually taboo topic. Parody and Slapstick are also popular types of comedy; more light hearted than Black Comedies, they fulfil the audience pleasure of ‘Share laughter with family and Friends’ Stereotypically, comedies also offer the pleasure ‘Warm mode of Address’.

6. Comedy Short Film- The Elevator The CU highlights the character’s exasperated facial expression and create a juxtaposition between the men in the brightly coloured shirts and the man in the foreground of this shot. This juxtaposition exaggerates the different character’s traits. Although no dialogue is used for the duration of the film, POV shots are used to establish the comedic narrative. We can clearly see that the protagonist is worried the people are too heavy for the lift, as here we are positioned with him while he estimates each character’s weight. https:// www.youtube.com / watch?v =Q-TQQE1y68c