Question

Pick three comedic techniques from the Handout - 'Something is funny because...' Use three different scenes from Airplane to write a PEEL explaining how these techniques were used.

a) Slapstick, irony, wordplay
b) Satire, parody, absurdity
c) Wit, sarcasm, physical humor
d) Horror, drama, suspense

Answer 1

In 'Airplane,' the use of slapstick comedy can be seen in exaggerated fight scenes, while irony is displayed when characters' confident statements lead to foolish actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the movie Airplane, various comedic techniques are used to create humor for the audience. These techniques include slapstick, irony, and wordplay.

Slapstick comedy is prevalent in one of the movie's scenes where two characters engage in a mock fight. The exaggerated and over-the-top nature of their actions generates laughter through physical humor, reflecting the same slapstick origins found in Commedia dell'Arte.

Irony is another technique utilized in the film. One memorable ironic moment occurs when a character confidently declares they know exactly what they're doing, only to immediately engage in a foolish or incorrect action, pointing to the difference between what is said and what actually happens.

Last is wordplay. The film is renowned for its clever use of puns and double entendres. In one scene, a character remarks 'Surely you can't be serious.' and the reply 'I am serious, and don't call me Shirley' is a classic example of wordplay that triggers comedic relief through the unexpected twist on words.