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Aptaker Regular user Boston 113 Posts |
Hey everyone,
Below is an essay I wrote on ironic contrast. It can be found, along with my other essays on magic and theatre theory at http://www.aaronaptaker.wordspot.com........... Today I’d like to talk about ironic contrast, which when used correctly is one of the most enjoyable types of comedy for an audience. I’m going to be using the classic film Singin’ in the Rain to explore the concept of ironic contrast (this seems like a good fit, considering it is a movie that many have seen and everyone should see). First we will define ironic contrast and explore its use in the film, then we will apply that concept to magic. Attending a Surprise Party is More Fun Than Being Surprised The film Singin in the Rain, like most comedies, is filled with ironic contrast. The comedic elements irony and contrast are almost always paired, and together they are one of the most commonly used (and funniest) forms of comedy. In order to understand why the two comedic techniques are so successful when used in conjunction with each other, it is important to analyze their separate definitions and uses. Doing so will create a better understanding of how irony and contrast succeed when used together. Irony and contrast work so well together in visual media, because the audience is aware that what they are seeing is incongruous with what is expected. Irony can take on many forms, but they all boil down to a twist on what is expected. Variety artist Bruce “Charlie” Johnson discusses this comedic technique in his book Comedy Techniques for Entertainers. He writes, “Irony is the opposite of what is expected” (Johnson, 28). In the film Singin in the Rain, Don Lockwood’s positive description of his relationship with Lina Lamont can be considered ironic. He describes how well they get along, and the reporters in the film assume they are in love. This stands in stark contrast to the truth, as Lockwood truly hates Lamont. Comedic contrast is the act of establishing what is expected, and then subsequently changing this situation in an absurd manner. Psychologist Sigmund Freud believes that things are funny only when they are contrasted with something normal (Johnson, 33). When the audience hears Lamont’s shockingly irritating voice, it stands in contrast to her beautiful figure. One of the most important parts of comedic contrast is a frame of reference. In the example of Lamont’s voice, the frame of reference for the audience is her physical beauty. Another great example of comedic contrast is in Walt Disney’s The Symphony Hour. Unlike in the Lamont example where the normalcy is visible, The Symphony Hour requires the audience to understand how a song is supposed to sound. The cartoon characters play the song through without any humor, so the audience has an expectation of the characters. When the band attempts to play the song again at the recording studio (after the instruments get dropped down an elevator shaft) the audience laughs at the contrast with the earlier performance. If the audience only saw the band poorly playing broken instruments, the joke would be lost. Ironic contrast is so successful, because the audience has a frame of reference with which to view the irony. In Singin in the Rain, Lockwood describes his earlier career. His verbal description is glamorous. His suave physical appearance also establishes that what he is saying is true. In this example of ironic contrast, his words are the normalcy that the visuals contradict. While he is describing a glamorous career, the audience views his actual career. Lockwood was a dancer in small theaters, and was a dirtied and beaten up stunt man in his early years. This visual truth stands in stark contrast with what he says. This example is ironic because it is the opposite of what he is saying, and contrasting because his story and true past are juxtaposed. The reason that ironic contrast is so appealing to audiences is that unlike in most forms of irony and contrast, they know something that the characters do not. In irony, the twist is unexpected, and gets a quick laugh. When an audience sees a contrasting image, like a very large man walking a small poodle, it also produces a small reaction then subsides. Both of these forms surprise the audience, whereas ironic contrast lets the audience into the secret of the joke. In Singin in the Rain, when Kathy Selden sings for Lina Lamont’s at the theater, the viewers are in on a secret that the audience in the film is not aware of. By letting the viewers in on the secret, they become conspirators in the fun. While they do not know exactly how the event is going to play out, they generally have a good idea on how the event will play out. The ironic twist when the curtain is opened to reveal Selden might receive a small chuckle if used alone. It is the fact that the audience is let in on this moment beforehand that makes it funny. This enables the audience to contrast how they know Lamont sounds with Selden’s dub. Works Cited: Johnson, Bruce “Charlie”. Comedy Techniques for Entertainers. 1st. La Crosse, WI: Visual Magic, 1988. *************************************************************************************************************** Ironic contrast is already used in a lot of the best comedy magic routines. Think about how funny the vanishing bandanna trick is. The audience sees the contrasting image of the “banana” with the audible instruction for a ”bandanna”.Unlike the magician, who is unaware that a banana is wrong, the audience is let in on the ironic secret of the banana being the wrong item. Instead of just surprising audiences with an ironic twist, or making them laugh with an unexpected visual contrast, ironic contrast succeeds at allowing viewers to connect and emotionally attach themselves to the situation. By foreshadowing the punch line, anticipation is built in audiences and the comedic release is far more satisfying than if the joke is a quick surprise. Think about how you can use ironic contrast in your other routines. What routines that you already do make use of ironic contrast? How can you make that ironic contrast stronger and clearer? Look for examples of ironic contrast in film, on the stage, and in political cartoons. By looking at models of ironic contrast, we can best understand how to apply the formula to our own work. Best, Aaron |
Aptaker Regular user Boston 113 Posts |
Of course that's http://www.aaronaptaker.wordspot.com without all of the "..." : )
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Magic Rob New user Denver, CO 99 Posts |
Aaron,
Thanks for the insight. It helped me to remember that the funny doesn't always just come from the obvious funny lines, but also from the comedic situations we create. Irony is an important is an tool for creating comedy that is not often talked about. Thanks for sharing you thoughts. It definitely helped me get the wheels turning on ways to make my act funnier. Rob |
Comedy Writer Special user 594 Posts |
Thanks!
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