This month’s non-fiction film choice in the Den Of Geek book club is Paul Merton’s Silent Comedy.
Here’s what Aliya made of it…
Its a weird business to write a book about silent film.
And surprise really is the key to a good comic moment.
How, exactly, does comedy work?
I suspect its another subject that could never be explained adequately on the page.
Mainly, its lovely to be in the company of Paul Merton.
Acting back then could be a thankless task.
Ad content continues below
Merton also has a great way of tackling the murkier side of that life.
Silent Comedyis a strange mix of the very interesting and the very monotonous.
As an interactive e-bookSilent Comedycould really shine.
Mertons talent for enthusing the reader could then lead to the chance to see the relevant clips directly.
If theres one area that could benefit hugely in the changing world of publishing, its film criticism.
But, for now,Silent Comedyremains a little bit brilliant and a little bit boring.
The best physical comedy really doesnt need words.
In fact Im beginning to suspect that words actively damage it.
Our next Den Of Geek book club fiction choice will be Little Brother by Cory Doctorow.
Kaci will be discussing it on Wednesday the 15th of October.
