Broad comedy

Question

Hi what does broad comedy mean?How is it different from comedy?Thanks

Dave Phillips · Accepted Answer

Broad comedy is more slip-stick, like a pie in the face, people tripping over things like that.  Comedy is more associated with either stand up or situational comedy these days.

CalifJim · Answer

hrsaneiwhat does broad comedy mean?
How is it different from comedy?

I would say that "broad" is the opposite of "sophisticated".

Broad comedy is very physical. It is said to have "broad appeal". In other words anybody, from any ethnic background, no matter what language they speak, might think it's funny. Slipping on a banana peel is the typical example of broad comedy.

In comparison, there are other kinds of comedy that are much more cerebral that may depend on subtle word play, or on in-depth knowledge of certain subject matter, for example. Not just anyone would find it funny, or even understand the jokes sometimes.

CJ

Hrsanei · Answer

Thanks Dave and Jim for your complete responses.

So my impression is that Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean were good examples of broad comedians. Am I right?

Thanks

Mister Micawber · Answer

I was interested in 'Why 'broad'?' The word has several possibly applicable definitions, but I like the bolded one:

4. widely diffused; open; full: We awoke to broad daylight.

5. not limited or narrow; of extensive range or scope: A modern doctor must have a broad knowledge of medicine.

6. liberal; tolerant: A broad interpretation of the law tempers justice with mercy.

7. main or general: the broad outlines of a subject.

8. plain or clear: Her remark was a broad hint of her feelings.

9. bold; plain-spoken.

10. indelicate; indecent: He smirked at the broad joke.

11. (of conversation) rough; countrified.

12. unconfined; free; unrestrained: It was a hilarious evening of broad mirth.

Anonymous · Answer

have you gotton your answer? I am also interested in this topic. How come Chaplin's movie are not criticised for its broad comedy, but the recent hot one "monster hunt"are? if they use a similar way of comedy.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm a native English speaker in the US, and I'd never heard this term used in speech or writing before reading this post.  In the US this type of comedy would instead be called slapstick, burlesque, madcap, in-your-face, crude, or unsubtle.

Anonymous · Answer

As for why slapstick comedy in 1930's films is not criticized, while in modern films it is, in the US, film critics are a sophisticated lot, and a modern film with purely slapstick elements - pies in the face, mallets on the head, slipping on a banana peel, etc., and nothing - would draw criticism from them for not being modern and sophisticated enough.  Modern comedy has elements of irony, which is absent in slapstick, and prurience, which was also absent in 1930's slapstick.  Today's critics don't pan the old 1930's slapstick films, as they are considered classics of comedic technique.

Anonymous · Answer

As I understand it, listening to comedian's use of the term "Broad" comedy can be thought of as appealing to a broad or wide audience. This is as opposed to more inside jokes which are understood by more specific audiences. Jokes between comedians, for example, might be too nuanced to be funny to the general population.

Classic slapstick, prat-falls, sight gags, and the like are no

Classic slapstick, prat-falls, sight gags, and the like are not necessarily looked down upon but physical comedy can be thought of as appealing to a wider audience. However, Chaplin's content was fairly thought-provoking as he did things like bravely satirize Hitler during the time he was rising to power. Buster Keaton's comedy, similar to Jackie Chan's required a great amount of rigor and precision and hundreds of takes to pull off. Abbott and Costello or The Three Stooges might be thought of as more broad.

These ideas can be applied to contemporary comedy. Think of Full House or Saved By the Bell as broad humor. I'm avoiding mentioning more recent shows as people tend to get overly sensitive about these comparisons and I don't want to get into an argument over this or hurt anyone's feelings.

Anyhow, that's my two bits.

Anonymous · Answer

I thought it was short for broadway comedy

Broad comedy

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