The Yawner

Plot

In this early comedy short, a well-dressed gentleman in a top hat begins his morning routine with a tremendous yawn that proves to be highly contagious. His housekeeper immediately catches the yawn, and as the man ventures out into the street, his yawning spreads like an epidemic through the urban landscape. The contagion affects a shopkeeper behind his counter, numerous pedestrians passing by, and even an entire squad of marching soldiers who find themselves unable to resist the irresistible urge to yawn. The film builds to a crescendo of synchronized yawning, demonstrating the power of suggestion and the universality of this simple human reflex.

Historical Background

1907 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the transition from simple actualities to more complex narrative films. The film industry was rapidly consolidating, with Pathé Frères dominating the global market. This period saw the emergence of specialized film genres, including comedies, trick films, and dramatic narratives. The Belle Époque in France was characterized by technological optimism and cultural flourishing, with cinema being the newest and most exciting form of entertainment. Urban audiences in Paris and other major cities were hungry for short, amusing films that could be shown in the rapidly expanding network of dedicated cinemas and fairground venues.

Making Of

The making of 'The Yawner' represents the sophisticated studio system that Pathé Frères had developed by 1907. Segundo de Chomón, who had joined Pathé in 1905, was given significant creative freedom to experiment with different film genres and techniques. The contagious yawn concept required precise timing from all actors, who had to perform exaggerated yawns on cue. The street scenes were likely filmed on Pathé's studio sets in their Vincennes facility, which allowed for controlled lighting and multiple takes. The film's success lay in its simplicity and relatability - everyone has experienced the contagious nature of yawning, making the humor immediately accessible to audiences of any nationality or language.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'The Yawner' reflects the standard practices of 1907 filmmaking. The camera remains stationary throughout, capturing the action in long shots typical of the era. The lighting was natural or simple studio lighting, designed to clearly illuminate the actors' exaggerated expressions. The film was likely shot on 35mm film using Pathé's own cameras and equipment. The visual composition focuses on the actors' faces and body language, ensuring that the yawning action is clearly visible to the audience. The street scenes demonstrate the early cinema practice of creating convincing urban environments within the constraints of studio filmmaking.

Innovations

While not technically groundbreaking like some of de Chomón's other films, 'The Yawner' demonstrates sophisticated editing for its time. The film uses continuity editing to create the illusion of a contagious effect spreading through space and time. The timing of the actors' performances and the cuts between different yawning individuals shows an advanced understanding of cinematic rhythm for 1907. The film also showcases Pathé's high production values, with clear images and stable camerawork that set it apart from many contemporary films. The use of multiple locations and the coordination of numerous actors demonstrated the organizational capabilities of major studios like Pathé.

Music

As a silent film from 1907, 'The Yawner' would have been accompanied by live music during its theatrical exhibitions. The type of musical accompaniment would vary depending on the venue - from a simple piano in smaller cinemas to a small orchestra in more prestigious theaters. The music would have been light and comedic, likely incorporating popular tunes of the era or improvisations that matched the on-screen action. The tempo would have accelerated as the yawning spread through more people, building to a comedic climax. No original score was composed specifically for the film, as was common practice during this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic sequence where the entire squad of marching soldiers succumb to the contagious yawn, breaking their military formation in a display of synchronized yawning that provides the film's comedic highlight

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews from trade publications of the era praised the film for its clever concept and effective execution. The film was noted for its originality in taking a simple human reflex and developing it into an entertaining narrative. Modern film historians recognize 'The Yawner' as an important example of early comedy cinema and a demonstration of Segundo de Chomón's versatility beyond his more famous trick films. Critics today appreciate the film's sophisticated understanding of visual comedy and its role in the development of the comedy genre in cinema.

What Audiences Thought

The film was reportedly very popular with audiences of its time, who found humor in the exaggerated yawning and the relatable nature of the concept. The simple premise and visual nature of the comedy made it accessible to all audience members, regardless of their education or social class. The film's short length made it perfect for the varied programming of early cinemas, where it would be shown alongside newsreels, actualities, and other short films. Audience members reportedly found the escalating chain reaction of yawning increasingly amusing as the film progressed.

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