Gordon Rule Assignments

Annotated Biliography

Tonal Modulation in Action/Drama Narratives: The Role of Humor in Balancing Tension and Action

1. Research Question

How do superhero movies use humor as a narrative tool to balance tension and action, and

what is the impact of this tonal modulation on audience engagement and character preception?

This question investigates the duality of humor and tension in high stakes action narratives,

analyzing it’s function in relieving narrative stress, deepening character relatability, and

enhancing audience emersion.

2. Critical Conversation

Superhero films have emerged as cultural touchstones, blending action, drama, and comedy to

appeal to broard audiences. Within this genre, humor has evolved as a key narrative element

that alleviates tension, enriches character depth, and sustains audience intrest during high

stake moments.

Relevant Conversations:

Film studies: Examines how genre conventions blend humor and drama to create unique tonal

hybrids. Narrative Studies: discuss the role of tonal contrasts in storytelling, particularly how

humor breaks tension without undermining narrative stakes.

Reception studies: Focuses on how humor influences audience preceptions of characters and

their emotional responses to narratives.

This research contributes to ongoing debates about how humor in superhero movies balances

there dual roles as lighthearted escapism and emotionally compelling storytelling.

3. Chosen Research Method

Method: Multimodal Analysis

Superhero movies rely on complex interactions between verbal, visual, and auditory elements.

This method allows for a comprehensive study of how humor is integrated across multiple

narrative layers, including:

Scripts and Dialogue: Analyzing comedic timing, verbal wit, and sitiuational humor.

Visual Humor observing non verbal elements, such as physical comedy and visual gags.

audience Feedback: Analyzing publicly available reviews, ratings, and commentary to asses

audience responses to humor.

This method is suited for superhero movies due to they’re reliance on multimodal storytelling,

blending dialogue, visuals, and action to convey tonal contrasts.

4. Basic Methodology

This study employs genre analysis and rhetorical criticisms to evaluate humor’s role in

superhero movies.

Genre Analysis: Identifies reoccuring patterns in how humor interacts with action and tension

across selected films. rhetorical criticism, Explores humor as a rhetorical tool to create

emotional release, establish character relatability, and enhance narrative pacing.

Theoretical Frameworks:

Comedy Theory: Examines types of humor (e.g situational, slapstick, self depreciating) and their

narrative effects.

Narrative Theory: Investigates how tonal shifts structure pacing and character development.

Reception Studies: Focuses on audience interpretations and reactions to humor.

5. Plans for Making Sense of this data

Data collection,

Selected films represent diverse approaches to humor within the superhero genre:

Deadpool (2016): A self aware, humor heavy narrative that uses darker humor to engage

audiences.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Known for it’s ensemble driven comedic tone.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017): Combines mythological themes with humor to redefine it’s tone.

Avengers: Endgame (2019): Balances high emotional stakes with moments of humor to alliviate

tension.

data points:

Textual Data: Analyze scripts to identify instances of humor, timing, and it’s narrative function.

Visual Data: Study physical comedy, visual gags, and non verbal cues.

Audience Feedback: Use aggregate reviews, critical commentaries, and audience responses

from platforms like Rotten Tomatos, IMDb, and YouTube.

Coding and Categorization:

code instances of humor (eg. verbal, physical, meta humor) and classify their narrative role.

Compare humor heavy scenes to high tension moments to evaluate audience impact.

Comparative Analysis:

Contrast humor strategies in lighter films (Guardians of the Galaxy) with those in darker ones

(captain deadpool.)

Analyze patterns in how humor influences pacing, emotional stakes, and audience preceptions

of characters.

6. Selection Criteria

Why These Films?

They illustrate varied approaches to humor in superhero movies, ranging from humor dominant

to tension-heavy narratives.

Each film represents a milestone in the genre, shaping audience expectations and critical

discourse.

Their accessibility ensures robust analysis of scripts, visuals, and audience engagement data.

Why Multimodal Analysis?

Superhero films rely heavily on multimodal storytelling, combining verbal and visual humor to

convey tonal shifts. This approach captures the interaction of these elements, providing a

nuanced analysis of humor’s role in balancing tension and action.

7. Timeline for Conducting Primary Research

Week 5: Preparation and Planning

Finalize selection of films and obtain scripts.

Identify key scenes with humor and action for detailed analysis.

Begin gathering audience feedback from review platforms and commentary forums.

Week 6: Data Collection

Analyze selected films for humor instances, coding them by type and narrative role.

Collect visual and textual data, noting interactions between humor, action, and tension.

Gather audience feedback data (e.greviews, critical commentary, and social media discourse).

week 7 Data analysis

Compare humor’s role across films, focusing on narrative structure and audience response.

Identify recurring patterns in how humor balances tension and enhances character perception.

Analyze contrasts between humor heavy films (guardians) and darker ones (deadpool).

Week 8 Drafting Findings

Synthesize analysis into a cohesive narrative, focusing on humor’s role in balancing tension and

action.

Highlight implications for broader genre conventions and audience engagement.

To conclude

By exploring humor as a narrative tool in superhero movies, this research illuminates how tonal

modulation balances high-stakes action with emotional accessibility. The findings will contribute

to ongoing discussions on genre evolution, narrative strategies, and audience engagement in

contemporary cinema.

Reserach Paper

Humor in Film Serves as a Powerful Narrative Tool

Humor in film serves as a powerful narrative tool that extends beyond mere entertainment; it influences audience perceptions, enhances storytelling, and often carries deeper psychological and cultural significance. The 2016 film Deadpool and its sequel Deadpool & Wolverine exemplify a unique intersection of humor and violence within the superhero genre. Unlike traditional superhero films that adhere to heroic archetypes and moral absolutism, Deadpool subverts these conventions through its relentless use of irreverent humor, self-awareness, and unique commentary. This research paper explores how humor functions as a storytelling device in Deadpool, especially its role in reshaping audience engagement with violent action sequences, ethical ambiguity, and genre expectations.

A growing body of academic literature has examined the interplay between humor and violence in film. for instance, Berkowitz (1970) argues that exposure to aggressive humor can increase aggression in audiences, ‎ highlighting the psychological impact of comedic violence. Similarly, King (2000) explores how humor in action films affects audience perceptions of heroes and villains, finding that comedic characters tend to be more likable, regardless of their moral standing. This supports the notion that ‎ Deadpools humor not only makes its hyper violent action sequences more palatable but also challenges traditional notions of heroism. Potter and Warren (1998) discuss how humor can serve as a "camouflage" for violence, reducing the perceived severity of on-screen brutality. This phenomenon is relevant in the Deadpool franchise, where the protagonist's comedic ‎ persona allows the film to depict extreme violence without alienating viewers.

The superhero genre has traditionally been defined by clear moral distinctions and heroic ideals. yet, ‎ Iaccino (2017) identifies Deadpool as part of a new wave of superhero narratives that incorporate the "trickster" figure characters who use humor to subvert authority and disrupt genre conventions. In Deadpool, the protagonist’s constant breaking of the fourth wall and satirical take on superhero tropes blur the line between hero and antihero. This research aims to answer the following question: How does humor function as a transformative device in ‎ deadpool, and what are its implications for audience perception of violence, morality, and the superhero genre?

To answer that question, this paper is structured according to the IMRD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) model. The ‎ methods section details the analysis of key scenes, dialogue, and audience reception data to understand how humor shapes viewer interpretation. The Results section presents findings on how comedic framing influences moral ambiguity and genre conventions. lastly, the discussion section explores the broader implications of these findings, considering how ‎ deadpool’s humor challenges traditional superhero narratives and audience engagement with violent media.

Methods

This ‎ research employs a qualitative content analysis of Deadpool and Deadpool & Wolverine, focusing on humor as a narrative device. The study consists of two key data sources: (1) textual analysis of film scenes that blend humor and violence, and (2) secondary research examining the psychological and cultural effects of humor in film.

Data Collection

Film Analysis: Scenes from Deadpool and the script excerpts from Deadpool & Wolverine were selected based on their use of humor to mediate violent action sequences. ‎ key moments include Deadpool’s comedic self-awareness during combat, the use of satire in breaking superhero conventions, 4th wall, and instances where humor serves to make morally ambiguous actions more acceptable.

Annotated Bibliography & Secondary Sources: Peer-reviewed studies on humor in media (Baltag, 2021; Díaz Cuesta, 2018) and research on humor's psychological effects (Berkowitz, 1970; Potter & Warren, 1998) were analyzed to contextualize Deadpool’s comedic strategies within broader theoretical frameworks.

Data Analysis

‎coding process was ‎ used to categorize instances of humor based on their function: (1) Satirical humor targeting superhero tropes, (2) unique humor breaking the fourth wall, (3) Aggressive humor linked to violence, and (4) Dark humor normalizing brutality.

Audience reception was examined through critical reviews and scholarly analyses that discuss how viewers interpret Deadpool’s comedic violence.

Comparisons were made with traditional superhero films (e.g., Avengers franchise) to assess how Deadpool subverts genre expectations.

Results

The analysis of Deadpool and the script excerpts from Deadpool & Wolverine reveals that humor plays a transformative role in shaping audience perceptions of super hero movies, morality, and superhero conventions. By blending these violent themes ‎ with comedy, Deadpool subverts traditional expectations of superhero ‎ narratives and encourages viewers to engage with the genre in a more self aware type of way, critical manner. The results of this study are categorized into three key areas: (1) humor as a mechanism for moral ambiguity, (2) the use of what can be called “meta” humor to break narrative immersion, and (3) audience desensitization to violence through comedic framing.

1. Humor as a Mechanism for Moral Ambiguity

One of the most significant findings is how humor allows Deadpool to navigate moral gray areas. Unlike conventional superheroes who adhere to strict ethical codes, Deadpool’s frequent use of sarcasm and ridiculous jokes challenges traditional notions of heroism. For instance, in Deadpool (2016), the protagonist brutally massacres a room full of henchmen while delivering quips about chimichangas and breaking the fourth wall to comment on the absurdity of the situation. This comedic framing, as King (2000) ‎ suggests, makes the character more likable and diminishes the perceived severity of his violent actions.

The same pattern appears in the leaked Deadpool & Wolverine script, where Deadpool ridicules his opponents mid battle, undermining the emotional weight of their deaths. Instead of framing these moments as tragic or heroic, the film uses humor to make the audience complicit in the absurdity of its hyper violent and bloody world. This aligns with Berkowitz’s (1970) theory that aggressive humor can normalize violent behavior by reducing its emotional impact.

2. Meta-Humor and Narrative Disruption

Example of meta ‎ humor in Deadpool. In Deadpool (2016), when Deadpool visits the X-Mansion, he jokes:

“It's ‎ funny that there's only two of you ‎ here. It's like the studio couldn’t afford more X-Men.”

This is meta-humor because it acknowledges the film’s budget limitations while making it part of the joke. This thing called meta ‎ humor ‎ humor that acknowledges the artificial nature of storytelling ‎ is a defining characteristic of ‎ Deadpool. This self-awareness allows the film to challenge the seriousness of the superhero genre while maintaining audience engagement. In multiple instances, Deadpool directly addresses the viewer, commenting on budget constraints, lazy writing, or the ridiculousness of superhero ‎ cliches. Iaccino (2017) describes this as the “trickster effect,” where humor serves as a tool for disrupting narrative expectations.

For example, a ‎ pivotal scene in Deadpool (2016) involves the protagonist mocking the lack of X-Men cameos, suggesting that the studio couldn’t afford more actors while simultaneously showing the “expensive x-men cast” in the background. Similarly, in Deadpool & Wolverine, Deadpool jokes about the overuse of multiverse plots in modern superhero movies, calling them a “corporate safety net.” This kind of humor not only enhances audience engagement but also positions Deadpool as an outsider in the superhero genre, reinforcing its counter appeal.

3. Comedic Framing and Audience Desensitization

Another major finding is how humor alters audience perceptions of violence. Potter and Warren (1998) argue that comedic framing can serve as a form of “camouflage” for on ‎ screen brutality, making violent content more accecptable for the public. In Deadpool, excessive bloodshed is frequently accompanied by ‎ slapstick humor, exaggerated facial expressions, and over the top crunchy sound effects, creating a tonal dissonance that prevents viewers from taking the violence too seriously.

For instance, during a key fight sequence in Deadpool (2016), the protagonist uses a “counting bullets” gag while executing enemies with precision. Rather than inducing horror, the scene evokes laughter, reinforcing the idea that humor can significantly alter emotional responses to violent imagery. Is this a population conditioning tool? The same technique is observed in Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool humorously narrates his own battle with Juggernaut, treating it like a video game tutorial rather than a life or death struggle.

These findings suggest that humor functions as a psychological buffer, allowing audiences to engage with violent media in a detached, entertainment centered manner. This supports the broader argument that Deadpool challenges conventional superhero storytelling by using humor to subvert genre expectations, desensitize audiences to violence, and blur moral boundaries.

The findings of this study ‎ illustrate how Deadpool leverages humor as a transformative narrative tool, disrupting conventional superhero storytelling, subverting moral expectations, and reshaping audience engagement with violent content. Unlike traditional superhero films that rely on clear moral distinctions and idealized heroism, deadpool embraces ethical ambiguity through its use of satire, humor, and comedic framing of violence.

This section discusses the broader implications of these findings, the significance of humor in Deadpool’s narrative structure, and potential avenues for future research.

1. The Role of Humor in Redefining Superhero Tropes

The superhero genre has historically been dominated by characters who embody moral righteousness, such as ‎ superman, Captain America, and Spider ‎ man. These figures adhere to strict ethical codes, with violence framed as a necessary means to keep justice. ‎ however, Deadpool actively dismantles these conventions by employing humor to highlight the absurdity of traditional superhero tropes. As Iaccino (2017) points out, Deadpool embodies the archetypal trickster is an antihero who mocks authority and exposes the artificiality of heroic ideals.

For example, Deadpool’s refusal to abide by a traditional moral compass is evident in how he approaches conflict. Instead of delivering justice in a stoic, self righteous way, he approaches combat with a casual, almost playful attitude, often cracking jokes while committing acts of extreme violence. In Deadpool ‎ and Wolverine, the protagonist reportedly mocks Logan’s stoic persona, contrasting it with his own self aware, unserious approach to being “hero”. This further reinforces Deadpool’s function as a counter hero to the traditional superhero, challenging audiences to rethink what defines a “hero” in modern cinema.

2. The Unique Narrative and Audience Engagement

Another significant impact of Deadpool’s humor is its ability to engage audiences through ‎ unique narrative techniques. By breaking the fourth wall and openly addressing the constructed nature of superhero films, Deadpool invites viewers to become active participants in its self-aware commentary. This aligns with Baltag’s (2021) argument that humor serves as a mechanism for audience engagement, allowing viewers to critique media while simultaneously enjoying it.

This ‎ humor also contributes to the film’s appeal by fostering a sense of exclusivity. Audiences who understand the genre’s clichés and recognize Deadpool’s playful deconstruction of these tropes feel rewarded for their media literacy. This creates a unique dynamic where humor not only entertains but ‎ also reinforces audience engagement by making them complicit in the film’s self referring humor.

3. Implications and Future Research

The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay between humor, violence, and audience perception in Deadpool. While the film’s comedic approach to violence challenges traditional storytelling conventions, it also raises ethical considerations regarding desensitization and moral ambiguity in media. Future research could further explore the long ‎ term psychological effects of humorous violence, examining whether audiences who frequently consume such content develop altered perceptions of real world violence.

How the Visual Imagery of Deadpool Movies Affects the Audience

The Deadpool ‎ films employ a distinctive visual style that merges hyper-violence with comedic absurdity, creating a unique cinematic experience that impacts the audience on multiple psychological and emotional levels.

1. The Aesthetic of Hyper Violence

The Deadpool films ‎ lean into an exaggerated, almost cartoonish style of violence. Blood splatters, dismemberments, and grotesque injuries are often over-the-top, pushing the limits of what audiences expect from the superhero genre. However, this violence is presented with comedic timing, making it feel less shocking and more entertaining. By pairing these gruesome visuals with Deadpool’s ‎ sarcastic quips, the films effectively desensitize viewers, turning what would be horrifying into something humorous. This aligns with Potter and Warren’s (1998) theory that humor can act as “camouflage” for violence, making it more digestible.

2. Breaking the Fourth Wall Through Visual Cues

One of the most ‎ defining aspects of Deadpool’s visual storytelling is its frequent fourth-wall breaks. Deadpool often interacts directly with the audience, making eye contact, gesturing at the camera, or manipulating the frame itself. This technique disrupts narrative immersion but simultaneously enhances audience engagement. Instead of passively consuming the story, viewers become complicit in Deadpool’s antics, reinforcing the film’s self-aware, rebellious tone.

For example, in Deadpool (2016), the title sequence parodies typical superhero openings by replacing standard credits with sarcastic descriptors like “A Hot Chick” and “A CGI Character.” This immediate visual ‎ subversion signals to the audience that the film does not take itself seriously, setting the stage for the ridiculousness that follows.

3. Color, Contrast, and Visual Comedy

The cinematography and color ‎ grading of Deadpool are notably different from traditional superhero films. While many Marvel movies employ bright, high-contrast colors to emphasize their epic tone, Deadpool incorporates grittier, muted tones that align more with R-rated action films. However, this realism is often undercut by absurd visual gags ‎ such as Deadpool using a dismembered hand to wave goodbye or his cartoonishly exaggerated facial expressions while wearing the mask. These ‎ visual choices enhance the comedic effect, ensuring that even the most brutal moments maintain a sense of levity.

4. Satire of Superhero Spectacle

Visually, Deadpool mocks the grandeur of traditional superhero set pieces. Where The Avengers might showcase an epic battle ‎ with swelling music and heroic slow-motion, Deadpool subverts these moments with slapstick humor or unexpected ‎ disruptions. A prime example is the “Zamboni Scene” from Deadpool (2016), where Deadpool slowly runs over an enemy with a Zamboni (an ice flattening machine), stretching the tension of the scene into pure comedic absurdity.

Additionally, Deadpool & Wolverine takes this satire even further by parodying modern superhero multiverse tropes, using visual elements to highlight how repetitive and commercialized the genre has become.

Final Thoughts

Visual imagery in Deadpool is instrumental in shaping audience perception. By blending extreme violence with comedic absurdity, the films challenge traditional notions of heroism, desensitize viewers to brutality, and redefine the boundaries of the superhero genre. The combination of hyper-violence, meta-humor, and visual satire ensures that Deadpool remains a unique, boundary-pushing experience that continues to resonate with audiences in an era dominated by cliche superhero narratives. This franchise shows how humor in film serves as a powerful narrative tool that extends beyond mere entertainment.

References

Baltag, V. (2021). Humour in film as a method of expression. Galaktika Media: Žurnal Media Issledovanij, 3(3), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.46539/gmd.v3i3.205

Berkowitz, L. (1970). Aggressive humor as a stimulus to aggressive responses. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 16(4), 710–717. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0030077

Díaz Cuesta, J. (2018). Representations of masculinities in John Michael McDonagh’s satirical film text The Guard. Estudios Irlandeses, 132(132), 60–76. https://doi.org/10.24162/EI2018-8618

Iaccino, J. F. (2017). A new take on the superhero genre with a multi-dimensional trickster figure. PsycCritiques, 62(40). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0041028

King, C. M. (2000). Effects of humorous heroes and villains in violent action films. Journal of Communication, 50(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2000.tb02831.x

Matheny, J. M., & Bohn, A. (2024). Bodies of horror in Judges 19-21 and Evil Dead II (1987). The Journal of Religion and Film, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.32873/uno.dc.jrf.28.02.08

Potter, W. J., & Warren, R. (1998). Humor as camouflage of televised violence. Journal of Communication, 48(2), 40–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.1998.tb02747.x

Reynolds, R. (Producer), & Miller, T. (Director). (2016). Deadpool [Film]. 20th Century Fox.

Reynolds, R. (Producer), & Levy, S. (Director). (2024). Deadpool & Wolverine [Film]. Marvel Studios.