I'm going to bluntly shove this opinion onto you from the get go...
People who do comedy often times forget about the acting and are just there to make the funnies.
Ok, now yes, there are many great, excelled and experienced comedians and comedy performers (there's a difference) who work and hone their craft and make every subtle nuance, build up and scenario seem like a work of art in terms of executing the perfect joke, awkward scenario and set up/pay off as well as perfecting a character that is simply hilarious from every time the camera focuses on them. The Jim Carey's, The Ricky Gervais's, The Will Ferrell's, The Robin Williams' (R.I.P Sigh), The Steve Carells', The Steve Martins' etc - They know how to strip things off and build them up, how to add more to a mundane situation or maintain a goofy persona that is also a sympathetic one or a hopeless one.
What I witness these days with the plethora of American sitcoms that are trying desperately to be something on the caliber of Friends or Fraiser or Spin City or Seinfeld is "comedy" that is all about random actors saying funny things but NOT exactly being funny themselves. I find myself watching with such a straight face, that even if I can relate to the scene, the character or find the joke written and structured well, I just DON'T have an investment in the character.
People who do comedy often times forget about the acting and are just there to make the funnies.
Ok, now yes, there are many great, excelled and experienced comedians and comedy performers (there's a difference) who work and hone their craft and make every subtle nuance, build up and scenario seem like a work of art in terms of executing the perfect joke, awkward scenario and set up/pay off as well as perfecting a character that is simply hilarious from every time the camera focuses on them. The Jim Carey's, The Ricky Gervais's, The Will Ferrell's, The Robin Williams' (R.I.P Sigh), The Steve Carells', The Steve Martins' etc - They know how to strip things off and build them up, how to add more to a mundane situation or maintain a goofy persona that is also a sympathetic one or a hopeless one.
What I witness these days with the plethora of American sitcoms that are trying desperately to be something on the caliber of Friends or Fraiser or Spin City or Seinfeld is "comedy" that is all about random actors saying funny things but NOT exactly being funny themselves. I find myself watching with such a straight face, that even if I can relate to the scene, the character or find the joke written and structured well, I just DON'T have an investment in the character.
Same can be said with comedians who get thrown endlessly in the same type of films just to do their thing (cough, Kevin Hart, cough) - They're just doing their routine and you either laugh because its familiar territory.. then you get bored of its repetition or you just don't care because it isn't realistic enough to be plausible or enjoyable.
What I ADORE about Ricky Gervais in the UK Office is that his comedy comes from the mundane and the subtlety of everyday life. Him saying a very boastful line about his work ethic while adjusting his cheap looking tie and sitting in front of a row of boring looking plug sockets by a window over looking the grey and dull looking streets of Slough is perfect comedy construction. It highlights what we recognise as familiar territory. (Work life, boredom, trying to earn a living in shitty situations) and adding subtle nuances of certain personality traits that make us quiver, get embarrassed of or laugh at, stuff that is hilarious because we've experienced it or never looked at it so deeply with a magnifying glass.
I think actors who do comedy think comedy is to be loud and silly and hyperactive and let the words and in-your-face action work the audience over. It can do, but for me, its falling in love with a character and wanting to feel for them, help them, support them, see what they do next, how they overcome certain obstacles.
What I ADORE about Ricky Gervais in the UK Office is that his comedy comes from the mundane and the subtlety of everyday life. Him saying a very boastful line about his work ethic while adjusting his cheap looking tie and sitting in front of a row of boring looking plug sockets by a window over looking the grey and dull looking streets of Slough is perfect comedy construction. It highlights what we recognise as familiar territory. (Work life, boredom, trying to earn a living in shitty situations) and adding subtle nuances of certain personality traits that make us quiver, get embarrassed of or laugh at, stuff that is hilarious because we've experienced it or never looked at it so deeply with a magnifying glass.
I think actors who do comedy think comedy is to be loud and silly and hyperactive and let the words and in-your-face action work the audience over. It can do, but for me, its falling in love with a character and wanting to feel for them, help them, support them, see what they do next, how they overcome certain obstacles.
I just wish more comedies had actors really look at their hands and facial expressions and mannerisms and add layers to their work, so that when its time to enjoy a repeat of a film, you're not just watching it for the gag but every time you watch it, you become a student and notice something different that you never did before. Like how a character reacted by holding onto something or how the camera positioned them in front of something unnoticeable at first but upon a second watch, it enhances the gag even more. I wish actors who have a comedic role, would be allowed or allow themselves to immerse in the character so much that every time they come on, they are multi-faceted and not one dimensional, who by voice alone, deliver the lines like they believe in it and aren't just saying it for a generic giggle.
After 10 years, I still re-watch the UK Office and find new discoveries and detail about certain characters and funny lines. Its not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy studying the art of subtlety, comedy, delivery or acting in general, just watch it for that over the context. Little eye movements, reactions and interactions in between camera shots or lines delivered by other actors, its simply (or complexly brilliant)
After 10 years, I still re-watch the UK Office and find new discoveries and detail about certain characters and funny lines. Its not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy studying the art of subtlety, comedy, delivery or acting in general, just watch it for that over the context. Little eye movements, reactions and interactions in between camera shots or lines delivered by other actors, its simply (or complexly brilliant)
I, as someone who is experienced with comedy and burgeoning a career in stand up, comedy sketch writing and sitcom writing, look to present characters that aren't cheap and inserted in a generic and predictable way. I look to explore that character so the gag means much more than just a man walking into a wall and going "Bollocks" or "Ow" - Comedy films could be amazing and can be major award contenders if only they would stop churning out the same material and easy to please nonsense and really craft these moments to make them memorable.
Friends is easily the most revered show for many reasons and has built a fan base like no other, but it is so quotable (PIVET!!) because the characters are written so passionately and have identities that you CARE about.
Any thoughts? Feel free to let me know below. (I won't respond with canned laughter.)
Friends is easily the most revered show for many reasons and has built a fan base like no other, but it is so quotable (PIVET!!) because the characters are written so passionately and have identities that you CARE about.
Any thoughts? Feel free to let me know below. (I won't respond with canned laughter.)