Our comedies are not to be laughed at

Our comedies are not to be laughed at

Samuel Goldwyn, the legendary film producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), was known for his wit and humor. He was also known for his unique way of expressing himself, often through humorous and memorable quotes. One of his most famous quotes is, "Our comedies are not to be laughed at."

At first glance, this statement may seem contradictory. After all, comedies are meant to be funny and to make people laugh. However, when we delve deeper into Goldwyn's words, we can see that he was not simply saying that his comedies were not funny. Instead, he was emphasizing the importance of taking comedy seriously and recognizing the skill and artistry that goes into creating a successful comedy.

Goldwyn understood that comedy is a complex and nuanced genre that requires a great deal of skill and talent to execute effectively. A good comedy is not just about making people laugh; it is about using humor to explore deeper themes, to challenge societal norms, and to provide insight into the human condition. In this sense, Goldwyn was suggesting that his comedies were not to be dismissed as mere frivolous entertainment, but rather as works of art that deserved to be taken seriously.

Goldwyn's statement also speaks to his own approach to filmmaking. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his insistence on high production values. He believed that every aspect of a film, including the comedy, should be crafted with care and precision. By declaring that his comedies were not to be laughed at, Goldwyn was asserting his commitment to creating comedies that were not only funny, but also well-crafted and thought-provoking.