December 4, 2015

Something Wonderful: Buster Keaton - The Art of the Gag

"Before Edgar Wright and Wes Anderson, before Chuck Jones and Jackie Chan, there was Buster Keaton, one of the founding fathers of visual comedy. And nearly 100 years after he first appeared onscreen, we’re still learning from him. Today, I’d like to talk about the artistry (and the thinking) behind his gags."

Posted by gerardvanderleun at December 4, 2015 2:34 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

We can all use some laughs. Thanks.

Posted by: Casey Klahn at December 4, 2015 6:40 PM

My physical "gag" delivery style is influenced by Peter Sellers. When I was young the "Pink Panther" movies were frequently played on tv. And no matter how many times the adventures of Clouseau, Kato, Chief Inspector Dreyfus, and all of the others were broadcast we watched those movies. Because they were as funny as all get-out.

"Kato! I know I told you to attack me without mercy, but now is not the time!"
*crash*

It is more of a very "stage" type delivery because the advice of "project your voice so those in the back row can hear you" applies to what I do. Heck,gesturing takes on the same thing because on stage your gestures must be much bigger so that all in the theater can see them.

It is melodrama - with the brake-lines removed.

Posted by: Mikey NTH at December 4, 2015 8:53 PM