Airplane!

Definition

The term 'airplane!' is a significant comedic device in the context of film, particularly used to create humor through sudden, unexpected elements that disrupt the narrative. This exclamation often accompanies a visual gag or a comedic moment that plays on the absurdity of the situation, making it memorable and laugh-inducing. In comedy, the use of such surprising interventions can lead to exaggerated scenarios that heighten the entertainment value and showcase a character's reaction to the absurd.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The use of 'airplane!' in comedic contexts often plays on the element of surprise, catching audiences off guard and eliciting spontaneous laughter.
2. 'Airplane!' as a comedic device can reference physical actions or situations that are incongruous with the expectations set by the narrative.
3. In many classic comedies, an unexpected interruption by a character exclaiming 'airplane!' can lead to a chain reaction of humorous events that escalate the absurdity.
4. The term has become synonymous with comedic setups that involve a shift from normalcy to chaos, effectively showcasing characters' reactions in exaggerated ways.
5. 'Airplane!' illustrates how timing and delivery are crucial in comedy; the unexpected nature of such moments often makes them more impactful and memorable.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'airplane!' contribute to the overall structure of a comedic film?
  • 'Airplane!' serves as a pivotal comedic device that enhances the structure of a film by introducing sudden interruptions that break the narrative flow. This creates opportunities for visual gags and punchlines that can escalate quickly. The element of surprise draws viewers in, making them more engaged with the characters' reactions and the ensuing chaos that follows, which keeps the comedic momentum alive throughout the film.
• Analyze how 'airplane!' embodies principles of slapstick comedy in its execution.
  • 'Airplane!' embodies principles of slapstick by integrating physical humor with unexpected verbal exclamations that catch audiences off guard. The term often precedes or follows a physical gag, enhancing the impact of both the action and dialogue. This interplay showcases how slapstick relies on timing and absurd situations to create humor, illustrating how even a simple word can lead to an elaborate series of comedic events.
• Evaluate the role of 'airplane!' in advancing themes of absurdism within comedic narratives.
  • 'Airplane!' plays a critical role in advancing themes of absurdism by highlighting moments where normal logic is subverted for comedic effect. The unexpected nature of such exclamations underscores the irrationality present in human experiences, inviting audiences to laugh at the illogical developments within a narrative. By embracing this absurdity, filmmakers can challenge viewers’ expectations and provoke deeper reflections on life’s unpredictability while still delivering humor.

Related terms

Slapstick: A style of comedy characterized by exaggerated physical actions and humorous mishaps, often involving visual gags.

Visual Comedy: A form of humor that relies on visual elements, such as sight gags, physical comedy, and visual storytelling, to elicit laughter.

Absurdism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the irrationality and meaningless aspects of life, often portrayed through illogical and nonsensical scenarios in comedy.