: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.