Comedic Greats: Arbuckle, Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd (Assignment)
03-29-2020
Through my studies of the performing arts, I have come across all four of these comic greats in various degrees. Watching highlights of their work was very entertaining for me.
Of the four men mentioned in the title, "Fatty" Arbuckle is a favorite of mine. He is clearly comfortable in his own skin, and that comfort and confidence allows him to explore a wide range of physicality in his skits. Additionally, he makes use of his own unique skills, incorporating impressive coordination with flipping pancakes and fun parlor tricks with cigarette tricks. His reputation as one of the comic greats is well earned. His performances bring a smile to my face without fail.
In modern times, Charlie Chaplin is arguably the most well-known comic actor from the early 20th century. Even those who might not know his name, would recognize him by his signature hat and mustache. His reputation is well earned. Chaplin masterfully makes use of his skills and stature to craft wonderful bits of comedy. One of the most striking things about him is his eyes, which he almost always emphasizes with eyeliner to make them really pop. You can see the inspiration for his physical actions start there and then engage the rest of his body. In addition, he has a clever, witty air about him that draws people's eyes to him. It's always a good time to watch Chaplin go all out.
Buster Keaton is a master of physical comedy, plain and simple. He uses his athleticism to his advantage in his work to great success. His exciting and daring performances are made even more impressive when one considers the time period in which he was working--without modern special effects or safety standards. When watching Keaton, you're bound to be impressed.
I'm not as familiar with the work of Harold Lloyd, but I had as much fun watching him as I did with the others. He displayed the same characterization and command of physicality as the other three while managing to put his own fun spin on things.
In addition to each being brilliant comedians in their own right, Arbuckle, Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd exemplify specific theatrical types. Lloyd is the lovable, nerdy guy with glasses. Keaton is the handsome, athletic type. Chaplin is more of a scrawny, scrappy type. Finally, Arbuckle is the goofy, big guy. Each one embraces their type and uses it to their advantage, playing up certain aspects of themselves to achieve maximum comic effect. Though some might be turned away by the black and white film and lack of sound, anyone who bothers to take the time to watch any of these men will surely be in for a treat!
Through my studies of the performing arts, I have come across all four of these comic greats in various degrees. Watching highlights of their work was very entertaining for me.
Of the four men mentioned in the title, "Fatty" Arbuckle is a favorite of mine. He is clearly comfortable in his own skin, and that comfort and confidence allows him to explore a wide range of physicality in his skits. Additionally, he makes use of his own unique skills, incorporating impressive coordination with flipping pancakes and fun parlor tricks with cigarette tricks. His reputation as one of the comic greats is well earned. His performances bring a smile to my face without fail.
In modern times, Charlie Chaplin is arguably the most well-known comic actor from the early 20th century. Even those who might not know his name, would recognize him by his signature hat and mustache. His reputation is well earned. Chaplin masterfully makes use of his skills and stature to craft wonderful bits of comedy. One of the most striking things about him is his eyes, which he almost always emphasizes with eyeliner to make them really pop. You can see the inspiration for his physical actions start there and then engage the rest of his body. In addition, he has a clever, witty air about him that draws people's eyes to him. It's always a good time to watch Chaplin go all out.
Buster Keaton is a master of physical comedy, plain and simple. He uses his athleticism to his advantage in his work to great success. His exciting and daring performances are made even more impressive when one considers the time period in which he was working--without modern special effects or safety standards. When watching Keaton, you're bound to be impressed.
I'm not as familiar with the work of Harold Lloyd, but I had as much fun watching him as I did with the others. He displayed the same characterization and command of physicality as the other three while managing to put his own fun spin on things.
In addition to each being brilliant comedians in their own right, Arbuckle, Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd exemplify specific theatrical types. Lloyd is the lovable, nerdy guy with glasses. Keaton is the handsome, athletic type. Chaplin is more of a scrawny, scrappy type. Finally, Arbuckle is the goofy, big guy. Each one embraces their type and uses it to their advantage, playing up certain aspects of themselves to achieve maximum comic effect. Though some might be turned away by the black and white film and lack of sound, anyone who bothers to take the time to watch any of these men will surely be in for a treat!
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