Funny Business: The Decline of the Comedy Film

Author

William ListonFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-7-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Henry Thompson

Second Advisor

Martin Edwards

Third Advisor

John Conlon

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This paper concerns the role of economic forces in driving shifts in culture. To explore this topic, I look at the sudden and significant decline in the number of Comedy films released by Hollywood and argue that it is the result of changes in prices rather than changes in preferences. In doing so, I develop a theory linking the decline of Comedy films produced to the expansion of the international market for Hollywood films and illustrate this theory with a model. To support my theory, I use data I have collected regarding Hollywood’s output, the domestic and international film markets, film budget information, and much more. I find that my research supports the implications laid out in my theory, providing evidence that the rapid decline of the Comedy film is attributable to economic forces. Furthermore, my findings are used to discredit other popular theories regarding the decline of the Comedy film. I conclude that the data suggests that economic forces and changes in prices do play a role in the development of culture.

Recommended Citation

Liston, William, "Funny Business: The Decline of the Comedy Film" (2023). Honors Theses. 3139.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3139

Creative Commons License

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