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The task of creating a funny film is a daunting proposition. It is susceptible to either not pushing the boundaries of taste enough or to pushing them too far and alienating an audience in one direction or the other. Few entertainers have really mastered this craft, but the ones who have, have been rewarded with legendary status.

The past works that have fallen into the category of comedic film are as diverse as the characters behind them. Movie making has matured and changed over the years, and so has all of its many classes. The study of film from its genesis onward is a fascinating and worthy endeavor.

Movies first gained a wide audience in the early 1900s. Soon after, film makers came to the realization that audiences enjoyed a good laugh just as much as they enjoyed the twists and turns of a fine drama. Thus, the comedic film was born, and has since grown into a wide assortment of sub-genres within the class.

Through the progression of film, it has always had to cater to a moviegoer that is traditionally somewhat of a fickle creature. This reality affects all forms of film. Therefore, all forms have had to adapt over time.

Something that has played a part in the advancement of film, is simply the technology of an age. When movies could only be silent, the actors and actresses of the day had to respect that limitation. Comedy of a more physical nature was the flavor of the moment, seen by such performers as Buster Keaton.

The innovation of sound in film brought the performers whole new ways of practicing their craft. One of the first to perfect an act centered around this new style of entertainment was The Three Stooges. They are responsible for 190 short films, many of which are beloved to this day.

The next technological innovation to come along and change the way things were done was the television. The 1950s saw many films being turned into episodes to accommodate a weekly television schedule. Who among us who grew up in that era doesn’t fondly remember “The Honeymooners?”

The next shake-up of the status quo came not of technology, but simply through a fresh voice. Woody Allen, whose style was that of incomparable wit, has produced a seemingly endless amount of films. In this day and age, we are all too used to this method of storytelling, but there was little that resembled it before his appearance.

The present day movie buff has the luxury of easy access to any of the artists mentioned here. Local video stores and mail-in movie clubs such as Netflix abound. I would highly recommend it as a fine pastime to watch some old comedic releases to gain a true understanding and appreciation for times gone by.

Tags: Humor