Slapstick

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > Classic story types > Slapstick

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Slapstick is an exaggerated form of comedy which is characterized by 'sight gags' and other visual humor. Custard pies in faces, much falling and tripping, plus hectic chases make for unsubtle, riotous fun.

Example

Many of the silent movies of the first half of the 20th century used slapstick, including those with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and more.

More recent movies that use slapstick include:

Blazing Saddles
Austin Powers
and especially Mr. Bean

Discussion

Good slapstick often does not need words, which made it suitable for silent movies.

The simple form of slapstick makes it easy to understand, giving it a wide, even international appeal. Its child-like nature is often reflected in how the characters behave, perhaps also awakening the child in audiences, giving them permission again to laugh uproariously at the ineptitude of others.