Physicality:
* Exaggerated movements: Slapstick actors use large, broad gestures and exaggerated facial expressions. Think exaggerated falls, clumsy movements, and facial contortions.
* Roughhousing: Slapstick often involves physical contact, like slaps, kicks, and pratfalls. While meant to be humorous, it's usually done in a way that seems harmless and playful.
* Improvisation: Many slapstick routines are built on spontaneous reactions and quick thinking, allowing for unexpected twists and turns.
Absurdity:
* Unrealistic situations: Slapstick frequently uses outlandish and improbable situations that stretch the boundaries of reality. Imagine a character trying to navigate a room full of oversized objects or struggling with a malfunctioning machine.
* Over-the-top characters: Slapstick often features characters that are exaggerated versions of real people, showcasing quirky personalities, unusual mannerisms, and perhaps even some level of incompetence.
Visual Humor:
* Visual gags: Slapstick relies heavily on visual humor, often using props, costumes, and set pieces in a way that generates laughter. Think about the classic banana peel slip or a character getting tangled up in a rope.
* Sound effects: Slapstick performances often incorporate sound effects, like exaggerated slaps, crashes, and squeaks, to heighten the comedic impact.
Examples of Slapstick:
* The classic silent films of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd.
* The Three Stooges, with their chaotic and violent brand of slapstick.
* Modern films like "The Hangover" or "Dumb and Dumber" often incorporate slapstick elements.
Overall:
Slapstick is a style of performance that aims to elicit laughter through physical humor, absurdity, and visual gags. It's a timeless form of comedy that transcends language barriers and continues to entertain audiences across generations.