Commentary: Goofy’s Slapstick Comedy Transcends Generations
by Frank Martin
Comedy is tricky to master. In terms of horror and romance, there are certain elements of fear and love that withstand the test of time. But a lot of comedy is cultural and of the moment. What’s funny or not funny can ebb and flow depending on how society evolves. What’s considered comical for one generation might not be for the next. That said, slapstick comedy is something that almost all people can laugh at. This physical brand of comedy features over the top antics to laugh at someone’s expense. This becomes especially true when slapstick is applied to animation, and no character handles this better than Disney’s Goofy.
Previously, a lot of Goofy’s finest hits were difficult to come by. Disney+ has been a boon in that it puts plenty of his shorts right at the fingertips of millions of viewers. A great example is the short film Goofy Gymnastics. As the name implies, the short pretty much features Goofy attempting a wide range of gymnastics exercises. He orders equipment to stay in shape, but winds up bouncing around his home and becoming extremely beat up because he doesn’t know what he’s doing. In fact, the short shows exactly why Goofy is the best in the slapstick game.
Of course, styles of animation shift over time, but this short from the 1940s still holds up remarkably well. But even taste in animation aside, Goofy slapstick comedy transcends generations. It’s similar to the ABC game show Wipeout, which features people getting beat up while trying to run an obstacle course. No dialogue is necessary to enjoy Goofy Gymnastics. All that’s required is an appreciation for slapstick humor. And as Goofy bounces around his home, taking each punishing blow with style, it’s obvious how and why the character has had appeal for so long.
Goofy Gymnastics is now streaming on Disney+.