Genre Research Blog: Comedy

The third genre that my group will be researching is comedy. 

Lighting used in comedic movies usually are three-point, high key, and low key lighting. The lighting is used to set the mood of the scenes and match the settings as well. For example, if someone is at a party, they will most likely use low key lighting to portray the fact that the characters are at a party.

Camera angles most used in comedy films are high angles, low angles, and dutch angles. The low angle is used to make the person appear more dominate over someone or something. High angles are used to do the exact opposite of what low angle does for the actor. High angle makes the actor appear more vulnerable or make it known that there is something or someone higher or above the actor. Dutch angles are used to add an dramatic effect to either a confusing or awkward situation.

Camera movements used in comedy films are pan, tilt, handheld, zooms and steadicams. These movements are all used to further emphasize the mood in the scene.

Most comedies that we've seen have been set in offices or any other common areas like houses. They use props like guns or drinks to lead up to a funny scene. For the most part, they are dressed normally, but there are times when they dress in something to make the audience laugh. 

Sounds in comedies can vary. Cartoons play a non diegetic sound when characters get hit. Movies and shows can incorporate many types of sound. They can audience laughter during a scene which is non-diegetic, actual character laughter which is diegetic, slapping or just hitting in general, and ambient sound which is background chatter.

Comedies are FUNNY! (or at least they are supposed to be). There are a lot of wisecracks and sarcasm. Almost everything is usually exaggerated or just seems unreal. Even though some things may feel unreal, its still funny.

Some examples of the comedy genre are 'White Chicks', A Madea Family Funeral", and "Nobody's Fool".