From Gags and Stunts to Punchlines

In the movie Sherlock Jr., Keaton uses visual gags and stunts to amplify the comedic aspects of the movie. In my opinion I think he does it quite effectively. I think that because there was no audio associated with the movies in the 1920s, there had to be more expression the get a reaction out of the audience. This calls for the exaggeration of the facial expressions and movements. Also the continuous use of gags and stunts tells a story. This is quite the contrast in contemporary comedy because of the usage of audio in films now. Audio in films has made it possible so that less exaggeration is needed in contemporary films. This has led to the comedic evolution from gags and stunts to punchlines. In today’s modern world, I think many people would find the over exaggeration that Keaton uses in his movies over-the-top and not very funny. I think the only times that visual gags and stunts are used in contemporary movies are when there are words said before or after the gag or stunt is done. Thus, the gag or stunt is used to emphasize a specific point that is being made not to tell a story.