Melinda and Melinda

:01:50

The essence of life isn't comic.

:01:52

It's tragic.

:01:54

There's nothing intrinsically funny
about the terrible facts of human existence.

:01:59

I disagree. Philosophers call it absurd
because, in the end, all you can do is laugh.

:02:04

Human aspirations
are so ludicrous and irrational.

:02:08

I mean, if the underlying reality
of our being was tragic,

:02:12

my plays would make more than yours,

:02:15

because my stories would resonate
more profoundly with the human soul.

:02:19

I mean, it's exactly because tragedy
hits on the truly painful essence of life

:02:25

that people run to my comedies for escape.

:02:28

No, no.

:02:29

Tragedy confronts. Comedy escapes.

:02:32

Look, you guys,
what are we discussing here?

:02:35

Is there a deeper reality in comedy or
tragedy? Who can make such a judgment?

:02:41

Look, let me tell you a story and you tell me,
is it material for a comedy or a tragedy?

:02:45

This happened to some people I know.

:02:47

It's a small dinner party. The hosts
are trying to impress one of their guests.

:02:51

Suddenly the doorbell rings and out of
nowhere an unexpected person shows up.

:02:55

- A man or a woman?
- A woman. I'll give you the details

:02:58

and you tell me comedy or tragedy.