Abstract
A theory of comic timing in contemporary slapstick films based on the incongruity theory of humor is put forward. Comic timing is defined as perceived durational incongruity represented by two distinct types of rhythms: (1) in the standard perceived durational incongruity, the setup of the gag is durationally longer than the payoff; (2) in the non-standard perceived durational incongruity, extended duration functions as a self-referential tool for humor because it subverts the spectator’s expectations for how long payoffs should be. The extended duration gag represents a metajoke about the nature of comic timing. Two additional factors of perceived durational incongruity are considered including when the setup and payoff are separated by a dramatic beat, which provides time for the spectator to understand the setup and make predictions about the outcome and when the setup is interrupted by the payoff, amounting to a non-threatening surprise that evokes humor.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Projections: The Journal for Movies and Mind |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Alaina Schempp is a lecturer of film at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Her research interests include cognitive approaches to film, focusing on emotion and the perception of time in contemporary narratives, particularly comedy, horror, and suspense-thriller films. She is also a screenwriter. [email protected]; ORCID: 0000-0003-0239-6646Keywords
- cognitive film studies
- comic timing
- comedy film
- slapstick film
- temporality
- time
- duration
- humour
- emotion