Physical Comedy Technique

A Physical Comedy Technique is a visual comedy technique that creates physical comedy humor through physical comedy body movements and physical comedy visual gags.

• AKA: Slapstick Technique, Visual Comedy Method, Body Comedy Technique.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) employ Physical Comedy Exaggerated Movements for physical comedy comedic effect.
  • It can (typically) utilize Physical Comedy Facial Expressions as physical comedy humor devices.
  • It can (typically) orchestrate Physical Comedy Pratfalls and physical comedy collisions.
  • It can (often) create Physical Comedy Visual Puns through physical comedy body positions.
  • It can (often) develop Physical Comedy Character Walks as physical comedy signature elements.
  • It can (often) coordinate Physical Comedy Multiple Performers in physical comedy choreographed routines.
  • It can range from being a Subtle Physical Comedy to being a Broad Physical Comedy, depending on its exaggeration level.
  • It can range from being a Realistic Physical Comedy to being a Cartoonish Physical Comedy, depending on its physics adherence.
  • It can range from being a Solo Physical Comedy to being an Ensemble Physical Comedy, depending on its performer count.
  • It can range from being a Silent Physical Comedy to being a Verbal Physical Comedy, depending on its sound usage.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Silent Era Physical Comedians, such as:
    • Charlie Chaplin, perfecting physical comedy little tramp walk.
    • Buster Keaton, performing physical comedy death-defying stunts.
    • Harold Lloyd, creating physical comedy thrill comedy.
  • Modern Physical Comedians, such as:
    • Jim Carrey, using physical comedy rubber face expressions.
    • Rowan Atkinson, developing physical comedy Mr. Bean character.
    • Kristen Wiig, creating physical comedy character movements.
  • Physical Comedy Formats, such as:
    • Commedia dell'Arte, using physical comedy stock characters.
    • Clown Performance, emphasizing physical comedy exaggerated emotions.
    • Mime Performance, relying on physical comedy pure movement.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Verbal Comedy Technique, which relies on spoken words.
  • Deadpan Delivery Technique, which minimizes physical expression.
  • Stand-Up Comedy, which primarily uses verbal delivery.
• See: Comedy Technique, Visual Comedy, Slapstick, Body Language, Choreography, Silent Film Comedy, Clowning, Mime, Deadpan Delivery Technique.

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