A type of comedy that features exaggerated characters in deliberately absurd or ridiculous situations. This style is usually less threatening and cynical than satire or black comedy. Instead, the emphasis is on physical comedy, movement, harmless violence, mistaken identity, lies, situational dilemmas, and fast-paced action. Farce originated in the theatre; Noises Off! is an example of farce that was first a play and then became a film. Instead of skewering society, politics, or war, farce tends to send up personality traits. Director Blake Edwards, in films like The Party and 10, has used the form repeatedly and successfully.