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In a way, physical comedy still exists, but it's not official. The popularity of "instant karma" gifs or subreddit, youtube pranks, freak accidents. I think the
by b0rsuk 7y ago
In a way, physical comedy still exists, but it's not official. The popularity of "instant karma" gifs or subreddit, youtube pranks, freak accidents. I think the last great slapstick actor was Jackie Chan though. I mean the need is there, but no one caters to it.
- microtherion 7y agoYes. For the longest time I did not watch any "martial arts" movies, because I was not interested in people fighting. But Jackie Chan's movies are really primarily physical comedy: https://youtu.be/0ZFr4uiR5x0 https://youtu.be/0ZFr4uiR5x0
- WalterBright 7y agoJackie Chan's "fight" scenes are actually dances. If you watch carefully, you'll realize that they are choreographed to metronome precision. Next time you watch one, try tapping your feet to the moves. You'll see :-)
- mopsi 7y agoIndeed! There is a great video essay about Jackie Chan's style (and how it differs from standard Hollywood action movies) on "Every Frame a Painting" Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1PCtIaM_GQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1PCtIaM_GQ
- Sophistifunk 7y agoAlso anything with Sammo Hung
- pdonis 7y ago> If you watch carefully, you'll realize that they are choreographed to metronome precision. In the one in Shanghai Nights, they didn't even leave it to your imagination, the whole scene was choreographed to Singin' in the Rain.
- Fricken 7y agoI love Jackie Chan, but I don't recall laughing at any of his jokes. Mostly I'm amazed at the creativity and athleticism of Jackie and his stunt team. I miss the days when stuntmen got top billing. Harold Lloyd, Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn and Buster Keaton were all awesome. The talking heads have made it illegal to be a great stunt performer in Hollywood. If you're into that kind of thing you need to get a Red Bull sponsorship, join the Cirque du Soleil, or take up skateboarding.
- wmichelin 7y agoWould you consider Jackass to be a different category?
- vharuck 7y agoI don't know if Jackass was slapstick. The only parts I remember finding funny weren't the stunts. The stunts were more about shock, going over the top, and showing the real outcomes.
- naringas 7y agoI think part of the issue is the cost of those kinds of movies. I heard Jackie Chan talk about in an interview. All those great funny stunts aren't really due to anyone's amazing talent. They would just shoot as many takes as they had to. And that's just more expensive.
- b0rsuk 7y agoThis might be the reason behind the disappearance of professional physical comedy. I mean, practical (special) effects have largely disappeared too because computer (special) effects are usually cheaper. Slapstick requires not just a sense of humor but also fitness and real effort. I didn't get the impression Jackie said there wasn't talent. Talent is part of the equation, but yes, he openly stated it still took a lot of tries to get right. Most of his movies feature failed tries at the end to give you an idea.
- gowld 7y agoThere isn't enough film in the world to get a good take of me doing what Jackie Chan does.