#1033- Judd Apatow - Why Comedies Suck Now

Overview

Judd Apatow delves into the intersection of comedy, creativity, and personal growth. He reflects on how pain and trauma fuel creativity, the challenges of modern comedy in a politically sensitive era, and the evolving dynamics of collaboration in the entertainment industry. The conversation also explores the mechanics of stand-up, the fleeting nature of comedic success, and the importance of mentorship and resilience in creative pursuits.

Notable Quotes

- You get rewarded for your worst qualities. If you're obsessive or a workaholic, it works for your career, but it doesn't work for your life. – Judd Apatow, on the double-edged sword of creative drive.

- Bombing is just R&D. Every joke that fails is a step toward finding what works. – Judd Apatow, on the necessity of failure in comedy.

- If you have a good heart, you can say almost anything. People can sense your goodness, even in edgy jokes. – Judd Apatow, on navigating sensitive topics in comedy.

🎭 The Role of Pain in Creativity

- Apatow discusses how personal trauma, such as his parents' divorce, shaped his comedic perspective. He notes that pain often heightens sensitivity and observation, which are critical for creative work.

- He references a conversation between Gary Shandling and Jerry Seinfeld about whether pain is essential for comedy, concluding that while talent matters, pain often drives deeper observation and reflection.

- Hypervigilance, born from discomfort, can lead to obsessive attention to detail, which fuels creativity but can also become a personal burden.

🎤 The Mechanics of Stand-Up and Bombing

- Apatow emphasizes that stand-up is unique because it requires learning in public, with failure (or bombing) being an integral part of the process.

- He describes the delicate balance of testing new material during a set, risking audience trust, and the art of leaning into the bomb to maintain composure.

- The audience's trust is paramount; if a comedian appears nervous, the crowd loses faith, which can derail a performance.

🎥 Why Comedy Movies Struggle Today

- Apatow attributes the decline of iconic comedy films to the loss of DVD revenue, which once offset box office risks. Streaming platforms have not replaced this financial model, leading studios to prioritize safer bets like action or horror.

- He notes that comedy has been absorbed into other genres, with action and drama films incorporating humor, reducing the demand for standalone comedies.

- Despite these challenges, Apatow believes a groundbreaking, low-budget comedy could reignite the genre, much like Clerks or South Park did in their time.

🤝 Mentorship and Collaboration

- Apatow credits Gary Shandling as a pivotal mentor who provided guidance, feedback, and confidence in his early career. This mentorship shaped Apatow's approach to helping others in the industry.

- He highlights the importance of collaboration and creating a positive dynamic in writers' rooms, where one disruptive personality can derail the creative process.

- The shift toward solo content creation, enabled by technology, has reduced opportunities for mentorship and collective learning, which Apatow sees as a loss for the industry.

⚖️ Balancing Ego and Feedback

- Apatow reflects on the tension between self-belief and the fear of failure, noting that youthful ambition often outweighs insecurity.

- He stresses the value of honest feedback, even when painful, and the importance of collaborators who challenge ideas constructively.

- The conversation touches on the pitfalls of unchecked creative control, where sycophancy can lead to subpar work, and the need for trusted voices to keep creators grounded.