5 Conditions

There are five conditions in the art of slapstick comedy and are worth noting while watching any slapstick film.

For comedy to be slapstick it must

1.  Involve exaggeration.



Think of all the I LOVE LUCY  episodes and notice the exaggeration, in this case, of her face.  many a time those exaggerations precede some rambunctious hilarity.


2.  Must be physical.



A slapstick comedian must have the physical strength of an athlete and the grace and movement of a ballet dancer.


3. Be ritualistic.



If you've ever seen Barbra Streisand in WHAT'S IP DOC? I find this an excellent example of slapstick being ritualistic.  There must be an element of repetition.  From the moment she is onscreen things happen, as if she is a jinx.  She does not get hurt but the people around her suffer hilariously.  Many great slapstick routines are demonstrated in this film, so it is an homage to the condition of ritualistic.

4. Be make-believe.



The actors know the slapstick has to be make-believe and lead us to wonder.  I love this publicity shot of the Three Stooges after a notorious pie tasting!


5. Be violent.



Let's face it, slapstick comedy can make you laugh, feel uncomfortable or even avert your eyes from the screen.