Blog #7: The TV Sitcom

The television sitcom was born of Classical Hollywood qualities. Certain aspects of filming were retained such as establishing and retaining strong character and the use of mise-en-scene. Character development is a focal point for sitcoms. Just as during the Golden Age of Hollywood, maybe not so much actor names, specific characters are a draw for audiences. In sitcoms, characters rarely change and if they do it is over the course of a season or perhaps at the end of the series. Mise-en-scene is a focal aspect of sitcoms that gives them their staged quality. Because they are filmed in the proscenium style, the sets of sitcoms tend to be centered in a living space where characters interact within the frame while others occupy themselves until they are needed. The show Seinfeld exemplifies these aspects.

Seinfeld is heavily character-based. Jerry Seinfeld never changes throughout the course of the show, even when there is a glimpse of character development it is soon overwashed by something funny. As a comedian playing himself as a comedian, there is a self-reflexive quality as well. Jerry is neat and witty. George Costanza is uptight, cheap, insecure and selfish. Elaine Benes is superficial and bluntly spoken. Cosmo Kramer is quirky, laid back and inventive. As a collective, they act as children: often they resort to playing games to settle quarrels, physically fighting and teasing each other. There are moments of clarity such as when Jerry and George fall in love and decide to give up their bachelor ways, yet by the next episode they have changed their minds and try to figure out ways to get out of their relationships.

The majority of the show is set in Jerry's apartment and filmed in front of a live audience which gives these scenes a theatrical quality. The action remains in the living room area which is openly attached to the kitchen. The mise-en-scene is especially noticeable, for example, when George is watching television while Jerry and Elaine stand in the kitchen chatting or eating. During different episodes there is the realistic quality of characters entering and leaving the apartment or going to Jerry's room/bathroom while others interact in the main living area.

source: Google images