How serious comedy can be

The Hangover is the typical movie that makes you laugh at some of the ridiculous events that take place in it. The interesting thing about the movie is that it manages to tackle some serious topics but in a way that we find enjoyable. This includes Zach Galifianakis’ character displaying obvious signs of mental illness as well as the possibility of death such as when Alan’s dad has a heart attack. When you think of the movie The Hangover, you don’t usually think of it having important messages in it, just that it is a movie where ridiculous things happen to make you laugh. But comedy is a great way of tackling issues from a perspective that makes it easier to grasp. In the reading Humour, Truth and Human existence, it discusses how laughter and humour is a great way to open up new ways of seeing the world and making sense of it, “we have a special affinity for jokes that highlight some fundamental fact of our existence because such jokes enable us to confront these truths in a non-threatening, amusing manner”.

There are several cases in The Hangover that we laugh at Alan and his absurdity. He is consistently made fun of by the other characters. He wants to feel part of the group, and not a loner and because of this a string of hilarious events occur such as accidentally getting drugged, losing their friend and so much more. All of this happens because Alan is trying to fit in, and the others don't quite understand him. If anything, they dislike him for most of the movie. Yes, Alan is a fictional character, but there are plenty of people out there like him, just lacking as many crazy events, "humor amuses people because it highlights the essential connection between tragedy and comedy in our lives. Humor, in other words, is powerful when it calls our attention to the comical aspects in those situations that are really sad or disturbing".

Every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 18.2 percent of the total adult population in the United States) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, statistics released Friday reveal. I can list facts out like that, but it will not capture peoples attention the way a humorous situation will. Hearing that someone needs to take their medication to prevent an episode does not stick in your ind the way it does when Alan's dad tells him he needs to take his medication after stealing and accidentally decapitating a giraffe on a freeway. 

I think it is important to look at comedic movies and ask what the purpose of that comedy is. Sometimes a joke can actually be a way to open an important discussion on a current situation whether personal or a global event. It is crucial to keep an open mind and to dig deeper into the hidden meaning of a joke, whether in a comedy film, a talk show or even one on one with someone else. From personal experience I can definitely say that sarcasm and jokes help when I'm down or in an uncomfortable position. Humans use laughter as a unique way of approaching different obstacles in life.