In the 1960s, Moe Howard of the Three Stooges publicly demonstrated how they performed their slapstick routines safely using carefully choreographed movements, precise timing, and visual tricks.
During interviews and television appearances in the 1960s, when reruns of their shorts introduced them to a new generation, Moe would explain that their actions were illusions more about coordination than actual contact. He took pride in teaching how to achieve the comedic effect without harm, largely in response to concerns that children might try to imitate their behavior.
The routines were meticulously rehearsed, similar to stage combat, so each actor knew exactly when and where a “blow” would land and how to react. Many gags, such as the signature eye poke, were designed as near-misses. Moe explained his fingers would go “way up here” near the forehead, but the speed of the action and the “victim’s” reaction made it look like a direct hit to the eyes. The impact of the gags was sold using exaggerated sound effects (slaps, thuds, etc.), which were often added in post-production or created live with props off-camera.
The way scenes were filmed was crucial. Specific camera angles were used to enhance the illusion of actual impact. The person being hit, usually Larry or Curly/Shemp/Joe, sold the gag with an over-the-top, perfectly timed reaction, often more so than the person delivering the blow.
0 comments:
Post a Comment