I want to do what I can lend my talents to, but I want it to be as a human being and not as a two-dimensional character.
Gene WilderRead
A lot of comic actors derive their main force from childish behavior. Most great comics are doing such silly things; you'd say, 'That's what a child would do.
Interpretation
Great comic actors often draw their strength from embracing childlike behavior.
In this quote, Gene Wilder suggests that the essence of effective comedy often lies in the ability to revert to a playful, innocent state, reminiscent of childhood. This childlike quality allows comedians to connect with their audience on a fundamental level, as they often engage in behavior that is seen as silly or absurd, making humor relatable and timeless.
In practice
During a comedy workshop, the instructor referenced Wilder's quote to illustrate how embracing one's inner child can enhance comedic timing.
I want to do what I can lend my talents to, but I want it to be as a human being and not as a two-dimensional character.
So my idea of neurotic is spending too much time trying to correct a wrong. When I feel that I'm doing that, then I snap out of it.
What good is a character who's always winking at the audience to let them in on the secret?
I never used to believe in fate. I used to think you make your own life and then you call it fate. That's why I call it irony.
If my mother hadn't laughed at the funny things I did, I probably wouldn't be a comic actor. After she had her first heart attack, the doctor said, 'Try to make her laugh.' And that was the first time I tried to make anyone laugh.
The thing I love about making movies is the peace of mind that I know I don't have to be perfect the first time. I can be perfect the second time or the third time.
The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.
Isn’t it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do “practice”?
Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious.
People come up to me in airports, they walk into the office, and they say, 'I'm going to cry; I'm going to pass out.' And I say, 'Please don't pass out; I'm not a doctor.'
The two things in the world we all share in this world are laughter and pain. We've all got problems. The levels of those problems vary, but we've all got problems. When you can take things that are painful and make them funny, that's a gift - to you and your audience.
I don't see the point of doing comedy unless it comes from pain.
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