"King of Laughter" Analysis

King of Laughter from Tarmak Media on Vimeo.

Title - King of Laughter
Nick Hillel
Year - 2006
Running Time - 3'10"

"King of Laughter" explores the positive power of laughter, in what has been named Britain's unhappiest place to live, Walsall. The piece follows Belachew Girma, originally from Ethiopia and holder of the Guinness world record for longest continuous laugh, as he makes his way through the town's city centre, using his infectious laughter to brighten the days of strangers. 
The subject matter deals with the cultural idea that we cannot be truly happy unless we are in possession of certain things e.g. money and material goods. There is a sort of nostalgic hint to the narrative at this point, as the elderly women describe how there is no time for the family anymore and no time to enjoy yourself (other than to watch the telly). They describe how everyone has now become absorbed in 'their own little cocoons', no longer aware of the joys that life holds.
Belachew explains that, having endured two counts of extreme bad luck, resulting in the loss of his possessions and his business, he had to teach himself in order to get through it, and how it was such an important element in his survival after tragedy. His words put emphasis on the importance of laughter in a world full of challenges and troubles. This documentary piece has a very strong and relevant message, which is portrayed throughout the entire film; you as the viewer instantly feel better as you hear the laughter spreading thorough the people as the piece progresses.    
The film makes use of various different types of visual material; first we see Belachew being filmed interacting with different people inside a convenience store, he is facing into the camera for a majority of the film, although this scene seems pretty standard, with a few cut-aways of different parts of the store. I think the next location holds more narrative significance, as it makes use of visual material through decorations and wall displays. For example; we see a cross-stitch image which reads "Laughter is shrinking", a prominent message relevant to the nature of the film, which also mirrors what is being said in this particular scene. Another interesting aspect of this scene, is that the words and sound is not synced up to the image; we see lips moving, but what is being said doesn't match. Perhaps this technique has been used to convey the idea that the times these people knew are now behind them, giving the idea that being happy and laughing for the sake of it doesn't exist anymore. 
Additionally, in terms of visuals, the use of the steady-cam of Belachew's laughing face and reactions, creates a very personal, and infectious, feel to the documentary. The constant view of his smiling face and laughter is very effective in engaging the audience. 
The sound within the film primarily consists of the sounds of laughter, from both Belachew and the strangers that he encounters. However, there are few slightly more complex features which contribute to the sound of the film. Firstly, in the supermarket, we hear a voice on the intercom announce "Good morning shoppers, we have a very special offer on for you today", I think this is prominent for the reason that is denotes a sale is on at the supermarket, but the connotations of a 'special offer' result in the appearance of Belachew to the customers. During the scene with the elderly ladies, we hear them singing "If he wants to laugh, let him laugh", also prominent and relevant to the subject matter of the film. 
Overall, I think the effectiveness of this film on it's audience is great. It immediately sends out a 'feel-good' message to viewers, through the combined use of it's visual and subject matter.