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The “slow clap” is a dramatic device often used in films to follow a climactic speech by the hero, leading to an exuberant and endless applause. It has become a cliché in teen films but serves a purpose for the story arc and director’s need for a strong ending. Another form of slow clapping is often found in action/adventure and crime films, where the villain reveals himself with a slow sarcastic clap.
In the world of cinematic pop culture, the dramatic device known as the “slow clap” is in a category of its own. Mostly seen at the end of a dramatic or inspirational film intended for general audiences, it usually follows a climactic speech delivered by the hero or heroine. The initial effect of that speech might be the stunned silence of the audience, but then a character will start clapping rhythmically and slowly. As the others begin to realize the true meaning of the hero’s speech, they too join in. Finally the entire audience erupts in exuberant and seemingly endless applause. There may be several significant close-ups of the characters who were most affected by the hero’s actions.
According to many critics, the “slow clap” device has been used so often in teen films that it has become a cliché, along with the “ugly duckling/beautiful swan” subplot and “freeze” ending. In fact, it has been parodied in movies like Not Another Teen Movie. It’s not unusual to see certain films like Lucas and Revenge of the Nerds referred to as classic “slow clap movies” by critics and amateur film fans.
This device serves a number of purposes for the dramatic story arc and the director’s need for a strong, challenging ending. Many “slow clap movies” feature main characters who are underdogs or unpopular at the beginning of the film, but often possess a hidden level of integrity or talent unnoticed by others. There is usually a strong antagonist who does any number of things to prevent the hero from discovering his true potential. The final speech is designed to put the hero in the best possible light, pointing out the fatal error of judgment of the antagonist. It’s not unusual to see the hero’s former foe take part in the slow climaxing applause.
There is another form of slow clapping that is often found in action/adventure and crime films. The protagonist, often a detective or secret agent, will reveal all the intricate details of a criminal’s plan, only to find that the criminal has been listening all along. The villain often reveals himself by slow clapping, usually laden with sarcasm. The villain might congratulate the hapless hero on his brilliant conclusions, but at that point in the story the villain still has the upper hand. A slow sarcastic clap will most likely be followed by the villain’s henchmen arresting the hero for future interrogation.
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