This book uses large scale social and cultural trends and major world events to analyse the American comedy film. This is a historical and conceptual study discussing the comedy narrative, comic traditions, and role of visual culture. The important innovators of American film comedy and the role of visual technology within cultural politic are discussed, as well as theorists such as Freud, Baudrillard, and Derrida. Key features* Close analysis of two films to illustrate key points in each chapter* Relevant both to film and cultural studies* Chronological treatment