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I think the problem is that physical comedy is often poorly executed and poorer quality than topical/situational/observational comedy and satire, so there's a disproportionate tendency to view it as somehow inherently low brow.
Sight gags and slapstick can be delivered with a degree of sophistication and subtlety that puts a lot of non-physical comedy to shame, but there's no denying that a good proportion of slapstick is simply uninspired, crude and stupid. For example, I personally don't understand the humour in the constant eye-poking and face-slapping chicanery in Three Stooges sketches.
The physical gags in "Bottom" that I've linked above are also "crude and stupid", but at least they are supported by situational elements and excellent performances that make them entertaining. They are also presented as a counterposition to the more general stereotype of British humour being primarily based around sardonic witticisms:
However, I'm sure someone very astute will point out to me some nuance or allegory behind the Three Stooges that I've failed to notice.
This just goes to show how much American standup comedy has gone downhill.
I think you also miss the point about standup comedy not simply being about words but about attitude, timing and all those little physical subtleties in the way the words are delivered. As such -- it doesn't make standup that much more ' high brow ' than good ' slapstick '.
Oh no! I'm not trying to imply one is more sophisticated than the other. I'm just saying that one (Brazilian Humor) relies more on the body and movements, while the other (American Humor) prefers quick changes in the tone of voice and more of a buildup. American humor, I think, requires more patience, but ultimately ends up more memorable because you invested more into the joke, while Brazilian humor is more rapid-fire and allows for shorter, louder laughs.
I don't think slapstick or physical humor is more/less "high brow," but I do think it requires more ridiculousness, almost by definition.
And I really like Katt! I'm confused as to why you think he is representative of the demise of American comedy. After all, in the 80's there were guys smashing watermelons on stage...HOW is that comedy LOL?!
Oh no! I'm not trying to imply one is more sophisticated than the other. I'm just saying that one (Brazilian Humor) relies more on the body and movements, while the other (American Humor) prefers quick changes in the tone of voice and more of a buildup. American humor, I think, requires more patience, but ultimately ends up more memorable because you invested more into the joke, while Brazilian humor is more rapid-fire and allows for shorter, louder laughs.
I don't think slapstick or physical humor is more/less "high brow," but I do think it requires more ridiculousness, almost by definition.
And I really like Katt! I'm confused as to why you think he is representative of the demise of American comedy. After all, in the 80's there were guys smashing watermelons on stage...HOW is that comedy LOL?!
My bad. I didn't notice you'd also written the post before.
Oh no! I'm not trying to imply one is more sophisticated than the other. I'm just saying that one (Brazilian Humor) relies more on the body and movements, while the other (American Humor) prefers quick changes in the tone of voice and more of a buildup. American humor, I think, requires more patience, but ultimately ends up more memorable because you invested more into the joke, while Brazilian humor is more rapid-fire and allows for shorter, louder laughs.
I don't think slapstick or physical humor is more/less "high brow," but I do think it requires more ridiculousness, almost by definition.
And I really like Katt! I'm confused as to why you think he is representative of the demise of American comedy. After all, in the 80's there were guys smashing watermelons on stage...HOW is that comedy LOL?!
Well, Brazilian humor is a very varied thing, and has many styles.
I live in a state (CearĂ¡) that has produced many of the greatest comedians in Brazil, and that has a true professional "humor industry". The greatest genius of Brazilian humor, Chico Anysio, who passed away in 2012, was from CearĂ¡. He created over 100 humorous characters during his career, many of them well known of the Brazilian public for his TV shows in national networks.
There are diverse kinds of humor here. Many comedians rely on the physical thing, but many times they do it to satirize (and exaggerate) customs and manners.
I don't like the Three Stooges or that type of comedy in general.
There are so many sorts of humor, it's hard to narrow it down to just ONE sort of sense of humor for the US - we're such a diverse lot. I mean, there's a lot of difference between the sort of humor that Woody Allen is loved for vs, say, Dave Chappelle - but both types are loved by many Americans. Often BOTH are loved by the SAME Americans.
"Friends" was quiet, subtle humor but wildly popular for decades in the US. Very different from, say, Roy White, who is also very popular.
Well, Brazilian humor is a very varied thing, and has many styles.
I live in a state (CearĂ¡) that has produced many of the greatest comedians in Brazil, and that has a true professional "humor industry". The greatest genius of Brazilian humor, Chico Anysio, who passed away in 2012, was from CearĂ¡. He created over 100 humorous characters during his career, many of them well known of the Brazilian public for his TV shows in national networks.
There are diverse kinds of humor here. Many comedians rely on the physical thing, but many times they do it to satirize (and exaggerate) customs and manners.
Well I mean Brazil is a huge country, it's going to have a varied palate of comedic choices. I still would characterize it as being less subtle and more overt than American humor though. This may have to do with the language, though. I think the English language allows for more freedom with words and has less stringent rules in order to make a joke.
I also think poking fun at customs.accents/etc. is a universally funny thing. I don't think it's typically Brazilian. Every country has its share of that kind of humor.
I don't like the Three Stooges or that type of comedy in general.
There are so many sorts of humor, it's hard to narrow it down to just ONE sort of sense of humor for the US - we're such a diverse lot. I mean, there's a lot of difference between the sort of humor that Woody Allen is loved for vs, say, Dave Chappelle - but both types are loved by many Americans. Often BOTH are loved by the SAME Americans.
"Friends" was quiet, subtle humor but wildly popular for decades in the US. Very different from, say, Roy White, who is also very popular.
One thing you will notice with all of those, however, is the use of quick turns of phrases, or subtle looks to make a point, as compared to something like the Three Stooges.
I think that's one thing the brits did give to us: Wit. However, I do think American humor is much more "wet" than British humor is.
Birdie, birdie with a yellow bill
Hopped upon my windowsill
Cocked a shining eye and says,
What did you do after you ate the meat -- loaf?
Axel was the funniest Swede I ever saw, except for the Swedish Chef
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