I have finally reached the end of the first part of the first exercise in the first chapter of the 2nd Edition of Comedy Writing Secrets. Today I am going to look at two newer comics, Dave Chappelle and Brian Posehn.
9) Dave Chappelle
They got a character on there named Oscar, they treat this guy like shit the entire show. They judge him right in his face, "Oscar you are so mean! Isn't he kids?", "Yeah Oscar! Your a grouch!", its like "BITCH! I LIVE IN A FUCKING TRASHCAN!"
Subject/Target: Children's shows and child wonderment
Why it's funny: Chappelle took a common perception, that Oscar is a grouch and hence should be treated as such, and broke it down. He applied realism to the world of children and questioned that world with an adult perspective. He viewed their culture through the eyes of his own. He also attacked the behavior of adults who encourage children to behave in a way that they think is innocent, but could have long-term societal effects.
Bonus discovery: Early Dave Chappelle
10) Brian Posehn
If I see a beautiful woman walking down the street, a pretty lady, I'll yell, 'Homo!' She can't get pissed, and I still get the pleasure of yelling at her.Subject/Target: Male-Female relationships, Societal norms Why it's funny: Posehn is one of my favorite "self-depreciating" comics. Here he is creating his own norm because he doesn't fit in to the norm of society. He is afraid of the response of a normal cat-call, so he makes up his own, a safer version, just for him. The audience laughs at his awkwardness and either relates or is glad they aren't him - another "glad I'm not that guy" joke.
Bonus Discovery: Brian Posehn in Montana
Tomorrow I start with the second part of the first exercise! Joy!
