SEMINAR PROFILE

A07 -
Comic Form and Film

Theorists of genre have suggested that comedy serves purposes beyond simply making us laugh. This seminar explores the history and theory of comic form as it applies to American movies from the silent era to the present. Through film viewing, reading, and discussion, we will consider such topics as comedy's roots in ancient ritual; recurring comic character types and genre conventions; and irony, satire, anarchy, and surrealism as comic principles. We will view silent comedies, a screwball comedy, Lost in America, Brazil, and Election. As we discuss these films, we will explore narrative theories and analytical models that address the functions and strategies of comic form.

Scholar:

Julie Levinson

Location:

Harvard Hillel

Dates:

2/4/2009, 2/11/2009

A07 -	Comic Form and Film

	Theorists of genre have suggested that comedy serves purposes beyond simply making us laugh. This seminar explores the history and theory of comic form as it applies to American movies from the silent era to the present. Through film viewing, reading, and discussion, we will consider such topics as comedy's roots in ancient ritual; recurring comic character types and genre conventions; and irony, satire, anarchy, and surrealism as comic principles. We will view silent comedies, a screwball comedy, Lost in America, Brazil, and Election. As we discuss these films, we will explore narrative theories and analytical models that address the functions and strategies of comic form.

		Scholar:	Julie Levinson
		Location:	Harvard Hillel
		Dates:	2/4/2009, 2/11/2009