7.8
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Present Laughter
1981·Movie
·2h 27min·
Present Laughter fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Romance6
- Hopefulness5
- Nostalgia5
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy6
- Satire & Parody5
World
Everyday modern life and show business
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and dialogue
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition5
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Present Laughter is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and show business
Its world is built around everyday modern life and show business.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and dialogue
The performances and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
Often regarded as semi-autobiographical, Present Laughter follows a few days in the life of successful and self-obsessed actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry must deal with interruptions including the numerous women who want to seduce him, placating his long-suffering secretary Monica Reed, avoiding his estranged wife Liz Essendine, being confronted by a crazed young playwright, and overcoming his fear of his own approacing fortieth birthday and impending mid-life crisis.
British ComedyPlay AdaptationNoël CowardShowbiz SatireSelf-Obsessed ActorRomantic EntanglementsMid-Life CrisisWitty DialogueFarce
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Present Laughter
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Present Laughter worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Present Laughter?
2 h 27 min
Present Laughter runs 2 h 27 min.
What language is Present Laughter in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.