Movies reflect human needs: Humor

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

Theme: Movies reflect human needs...

Humor

Images from storyblocks.com

Laughter is universal. Sure, what's funny to some might not be funny to others, but we all need a sense of humor. I can't count how many times humor has diffused tension or arguments in our home, or how many times humor pulled me out of a deep-blue funk. 

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road. (Henry Ward Beecher)

I think the scariest person in the world is the person with no sense of humor. (Michael J. Fox)

And this one tickles me:

God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. (Garrison Kellor)

Some of my fondest times of prayer have been when He's helped me see something amusing about a situation, and I sensed Him laughing with me. 

Last year after surgery, when friends asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?" I responded, "Share funny stories."

There are abundant comedy films available, but I wanted to showcase movie characters who put their sense of humor to good use, or find value in laughter.

Follow Me, Boys! (1966)

• In a fun scene, the scout troop wants to surprise their scoutmaster (Fred MacMurray) with a clubhouse they built out of junk and scrap lumber, but before he enters, it completely collapses. There's an awkward moment... and then... he starts to laugh, the embarrassed boys relax and join in the laughter, too. (A clip of the scene found here.)

Patch Adams (1998)

• Based on a true story of a doctor who uses humor to treat patients. 

Sleepwalk with Me (2012)

• Comedian Mike Birbiglia finds the humor in the way his body reacts to stress (sleepwalking), and incorporates it into his standup routine.

The Stooge (1951)

• Bill Miller's (Dean Martin) musical vaudeville act falls flat until he discovers a comic foil, Theodore "Ted" Rogers (Jerry Lewis). He needs that humor to add life to his performances.

Sullivan's Travels (1941) 

• Tired of directing comedy films, John Sullivan (Joel McCrea) wants to direct a serious movie about the poor. Problem is, he doesn't know what it's like to be penniless, so he tries to live like a hobo to gain experience. He definitely gains empathy for the poor, but along the way he gains a better understanding of the importance of humor.

Last year for the A to Z Challenge, my theme was Humor in Film--what makes me laugh. Here are the links to those topics:

Awkward situations.
Breaking the fourth wall.
Confusion.
Deadpan delivery.
Exaggeration.
Fish out of water.
Gallows humor.
Honesty or blunt truth.
Incongruity.
Juxtaposition.
Kid humor.
Laughter.
Mistaken identity.
Nonsensical dialogue.
Oblivion.
Physical comedy.
Quirky characters.
Running gags.
Sarcasm or irony.
Timing.
Understatements and unexpected moments.
Visual humor.
Wordplay.
Xyresic wit.
Yoicks!
Zanyism.

What tickles your funny bone? Do you use humor to diffuse tension? Has something funny happened to you lately?

(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)