How to Be Funny (The New York Times Way)
The New York Times Magazine dedicated an entire issue to comedy yesterday with the Sisyphean challenge of explaining funny to unfunny people. The Daily Show's John Hodgman kicks off the lead article with some choice insights from Paul Rudd ("How to Be Funny When You Are Incredibly Good-Looking") and Patton Oswalt ("How to Punch [Animated Talking Animal Screenplays] Up").
Meanwhile, Deborah Solomon proves once again she's the most grating interviewer in the business. Either that, or Chris Rock had a really bad day:
DS: This issue is devoted to comedy, so let’s get right to the point. What makes someone funny?
DS: What is comedy?
CR: I don’t know. How would I know? Any episode of “South Park” is funnier than 90 percent of the comedy produced in any given year — movie, TV, just any episode of “South Park” is generally the funniest thing put out that year.
DS: I find Borat’s hostility toward women juvenile and upsetting.
CR: If no one is uncomfortable with your act, you’re probably not digging really deep into yourself.
Other articles include:
Why comedy movies are easy money
Making it big online, Ze Frank/"Ask a Ninja" style
Desert island comedy DVD picks from famous and not-so-famous people
Hey, that Will Ferrell guy sure is funny!
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