Continuing with the first exercise from "Comedy Writing Secrets, 2nd Edition".
Today, I'll be looking at my 7th and 8th favorite comedians, Chris Rock and Adam Sandler.
7) Chris Rock
People are starving all over the world, what do you mean, "red meat will kill you"? Don't eat no red meat? No, don't eat no green meat … if you're one of the chosen few people in the world lucky enough to get your hands on a steak, bite the shit out of it!
Subject/Target: Warnings in America
Why it's funny: With this joke, Chris Rock points out the hypocrisy of Americans and the ridiculousness of a small group's message and how it has permeated American culture. What is important to the health conscious in America is not important to the hungry across the world, who also outnumber Americans. Rock illuminates how over-the-top these people and their message are. Yet, this is the also the accepted message in America, where we take for granted that food is always there.
Bonus discovery: Chris Rock on how to deal with the cops
8) Adam Sandler
My name is Adam. My father’s name is Adam. Having the same name as your father, it’s alright until your voice changes. My friends would always call up, “Is Adam there?” My father would say, “This is Adam.” My friends would say, “Adam, you were so wasted last night.”Subject/ Target: Family traditions/Growing up Why it's funny: Sandler reveals a simple truth about sharing the same name with his dad. It is not one that is obvious to most people who don't share a name with their parents. When revealed, they laugh at how bad his life must have been because of that situation, at least they are not "that guy". People who were in that situation laugh as they can relate to it - they are "that guy".
Bonus discovery: Sandler on Letterman in 1991
Tomorrow: number 9 and number 10.
