The Palgrave Handbook of Music in Comedy Cinema

This handbook explores the relationship between music and comedy cinema, examining how music and other cinematic devices interact to create comedy from various perspectives. It covers gender representation, national identities, stylistic strategies, and employs inputs from cultural studies, musicology, psychology, and more.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 781 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive handbook delves into the understudied interplay between music and comedy cinema, offering a fresh and interdisciplinary perspective on the nature, perception, and function of music within this genre. By closely examining the intricate relationship between music and other cinematic devices, the book explores how they collaborate to create comedic effects. Its multidisciplinary approach encompasses cultural studies, musicology, music theory, psychology, cognitivism, semiotics, formal and stylistic film analysis, and psychoanalysis, providing a rich tapestry of insights.

Organized into four sections, the handbook provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between music and comedy cinema. The first section serves as a general introduction, laying the foundation for the subsequent chapters. The second section delves into theoretical investigations, exploring the philosophical and psychological aspects of music and comedy. The third section examines the specific role of music in national cinemas, highlighting the cultural and stylistic variations across different regions. The fourth section presents exemplary case studies of films or authors that exemplify the effective use of music in comedic storytelling.

Through its comprehensive analysis, the handbook sheds light on the complex mechanisms through which music contributes to the comedic experience. It explores how music can evoke laughter, create tension, enhance character development, and convey emotions. It also examines the ways in which music can subvert expectations, challenge norms, and provide commentary on societal issues. By examining the diverse range of musical styles, instruments, and techniques employed in comedy cinema, the book offers valuable insights into the artistic choices made by filmmakers and composers.

In conclusion, this handbook is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of music and comedy cinema. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between music and comedy, offering fresh perspectives and insights into this understudied genre. By examining the nature, perception, and function of music from various disciplinary angles, the book contributes to our understanding of the power of music to enhance and transform cinematic storytelling.

Weight: 1370g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031334214
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023