Directing Actors: What Filmmakers Can Learn About Comedy from Gene Wilder

directing actors

1. Cast triple threats

Gene Wilder could sing, dance, act, and run a chocolate factory all at the same time. Learning how to sing and dance is an acting technique that goes back for generations, but Gene Wilder was certainly a great example of how it can improve the quality of comedy.

Most of this comes through Wilder’s ability to sing and dance. In Young Frankenstein and The Producers, he always found a way to stand out, building up his goofy brand, when he wasn’t supposed to.

DIRECTING ACTORS STARTS WITH CASTING

While it may seem hard to find actors like Gene Wilder, the case is often that you're not looking for them. More often than not, a casting sheet doesn't have a space for special talents, because the script hasn't called for it.

Since comedy is so improvisational, it never hurts to cast an actor who can do it all, so if you find yourself on set, you can add in genre-bending moments that are sure to be classic.

Many acting schools such as NYU or Juilliard have musical theater programs, bursting with young talent ready to grace your next film.

learn comedy from gene wilder

2. Difference between lines and jokes

A character’s sudden switch of mind, heart, or state of being can absolutely prompt a comedic reaction from an audience. It takes a talented comedian to pull off such switches naturally, so that the moment does not feel false or staged.

Gene Wilder’s impeccable comedic timing gave him a natural ability to smoothly navigate such changes.

Wilder’s car scene as Eugene Grizzard in Bonnie & Clyde is a perfect example of his timing and ability to execute a comedic turn.

In this moment, Eugene Grizzard begins in one state of mind – “I’m gonna tear them apart!” After prompting from Velma Davis, reminding him that they may have guns, he takes a beat, and is in a very different place – “Listen, we better get the police and let them handle this.”

This unexpected comedic turn, perfectly timed by Wilder, shows the comedic effectiveness of surprising your audience.

This doesn’t mean you should should a pause after every...word. It just means when a joke is written as such, don’t be afraid to play it up.

DIRECTING ACTORS WHO AREN'T JOKE TELLERS

While Gene Wilder had a natural ability to turn a phrase, you may find that actors on your film need some oomph. Just before you go to mark up your script and turn it into a shot list, go line by and line and mark up the jokes. Highlight the set ups and the punchlines right after.

Knowing these beats before you get to set will lend your project playfulness and ensure the screenwriter's dialogue is full realized.

filmmakers can learn from gene wilder

4. Find actors who take risks

Gene Wilder was never afraid to take the moments he was creating and the characters he was portraying to extreme levels. As an actor, he took risks, making huge choices in his physical movements and vocal expressions, as well as character traits.

A perfect example of this is Wilder’s entrance in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  He walks out, with a cane, clearly a cripple, moving slowly – until he reaches the gate. The cane sticks in the ground and he falls forward, face first, saving it at the last minute by somersaulting and springing up.

This hilarious and intentional action gets great applause from the onlookers. It is an unusual physical choice, no doubt, but beyond that, it says a great deal about his character.

This idea came directly from Gene Wilder.

WHAT'S THE ROLE OF IMPROVISATION IN COMEDY?

There's a fine line between improvising and completely rewriting that have been made into script breakdowns and budgeted for extensively. 

Brainstorming quick throw-away gags on set or alternate line changes often yield memorable moments. Completely changing a story beat, however, can mean a very, very angry producer.

Directing actors in comedies means finding the line between innovation and taking three steps back. Having more ideas is always better than none, but you should also know when to reign actors in, so the shooting schedule isn't delayed.

Your comedy brand doesn't have to be hair-related, but having an iconic trait audiences can latch on, will make your actors and their characters pop off the screen like never before.

UP NEXT

Casting tips

It is undeniable that the wrong casting choice can ruin a production. Young directors often make the mistakes of casting on look alone, or going with a name actor that doesn’t quite suit the role. Check out our next post, detailing some casting tips for directors and producers.

Up Next: Casting tips for directors →