Monday, Dec. 10, 2012

ADA 2O

Comedy Unit quiz Wednesday, Dec. 12.

here's the review:

Comedy Unit Review

Part A:

Comedy Terms.

Define the following terms:

1. plot

2. subplot

3. joke

4. set-up

5. punchline

6. serious comedy

7. sitcom

8. comedian

9. imitate / impersonation

10. sidekick

11. audience

12. risk

13. questionable

14. subconscious

15. profound

16. contrary

17. perch

18. juxtaposition

19. exaggeration

20. parody

21. pun

22. wit

23. slapstick

24. sarcasm

25. ridiculous picture

26. twisted logic

27. mock

28. hyperbole

29. understatement

Explain the importance of:

A)   Abbot and Costello’s classic comedy sketch: “Who’s on First?”

B)   The character of Bart Simpson

C)   The motivation behind Jim Carrey’s comedy style: sources – “Liar, Liar” and the documentary, ‘Bridging the Comedy Chasm, with Jim Carrey”

D)   Comedy as a vehicle to change our society

These answers will be written in proper paragraph form, with three or more pieces of evidence to support your main idea.

Opinion Writing.

What makes a show funny? 

a)Does a show have to highlight a famous comic actor? Ie. Will Smith; Lucille Ball; Rick Mercer; Steve Carrell; Tina Faye; Ann Hathaway; Adam Sandler

b) Does a show need some special slapstick scenes performed by stunt artists? Ie. Jim Carrey’s scenes from “Ace Ventura, Pet Detective”,  “Rowan Atkinson’s “Mr. Bean”, or Mike Meyers’ “ Austen Powers”; John Candy in “Spaceballs”.

c) Should a show have a deeper social meaning behind the funny bits? Ie. Jim Carrey’s “Liar, Liar”, which shows

 i) the problems with lying and how it is better to tell the truth

ii) the importance of spending time with your kids when you are a parent

d) Should a show make fun of social expectations in our culture?  Ie. “Fresh Prince of bel Aire” shows the difference between upper and lower social groups by a focus on clothing, speech style, priorities, and lifestyles

e) Does a show need a specific number of jokes?  Ie. Some sitcoms, such as “Malcolm in the Middle” would include an opening sequence to introduce a problem; include two or three jokes, along with at least one or more subplots, and end with  a final scene.

f) Should a show include humour for all age groups? Ie. “Fresh Prince” is mostly teen humour; but in contrast, “Mr. Bean” includes humour for all ages.

g) Does a show  have to be on the edge of ‘what is appropriate’?  ie.  Robin Williams and Chris Rock’s stand up routines, which include inappropriate language and subject material.