It Makes Me Laugh

I love to laugh. While you might think everyone does, I’ve actually met people who have told me they don’t like to laugh, because they don’t like that feeling of losing control. To me, that’s the best part. The feeling that you might never breathe again, or might even yark. Eddie Izzard took me to that dangerous brink when I saw him in San Francisco two years ago. Rent his video Dress to Kill if you’re in need of a good larf.

I try not to analyze what tickles my funny bone, but sometimes I can’t help it. I went to see some improvisers the other night, and I barely cracked a smile at their efforts, never mind double over with tears streaming down my face, which is really what I wanted for my $8. Cheap laughs are so hard to find.

What makes me laugh is hardest is people’s reaction to the unexpected and seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things that I probably wouldn’t think of doing in my daily life. And the improviser’s job is to show me those things, to take those risks that just don’t present themselves. These improvisers were just trying too hard, relying more on their perceived wit than they were on humor that came out of interesting situations. They sat on chairs and talked endless talk, words they thought were funny, instead of getting on their feet and playing with energy, giving their fellow comedians an opportunity to react to action. Take us away from the everyday, and give us a clear vision of life outside our own. Show us activity, give us details, and you’ll make us laugh.

With this in mind, I’d like to share two videos that both gave me aching ribs this week. The first is of a wedding reception (watch it now before reading any further if you don’t want me to spoil the ending) in which one little activity starts a chain reaction, one that actually started before the ceremony even began, when the bride and groom chose to say their vows high atop a swimming pool. (I told you to watch it before reading ahead.) I love slapstick, admittedly, but the humor also lies in the details: the bridesmaid who giggles while she asks “Are you okay?” and the look on the minister’s face as he holds a soggy Bible.

The second is of an unemployed man who has decided to fill his day with an extraordinary activity. His reactions to what happens totally destroy me. Listen to him say “Ohhh, I hate this!” and tell me that’s not classic comedy. And it’s the details, such him mentioning that the balloon comes from South America that makes this bit so brilliant. Insanely funny stuff!

Enjoy! And if you don't laugh at either of these, you're thinking too hard.