Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Keaton acknowledges that some comedic elements are surreal and defy logical expectations.
In plain terms
Some humor works because it seems unreal.
What can you take from it?
Embrace absurdity in comedy.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • performance
  • visual gags

Putting it to work

  • include surreal elements
  • break logic

Questions to consider

  • Is surrealism essential for comedy?
  • How far should you go?

Another view

Surrealism may confuse some viewers.

More from Buster Keaton

  1. For me its Buster Keaton's face, with maybe his little hat on... It's being able to look into his eyes and see that sad face.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. It's said that Chaplin wanted you to like him, but Keaton didn't care. I think he cared, but was too proud to ask.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. There are moments in many of his movies that are just poetic... In doing silent movies, no one had done this yet!

    Permalink to quote #28

Related quotes

  1. Deck us all with Boston Charlie Walla Walla, Wash, and Kalamazoo! Nora's freezin' on the trolley, Swaller dollar cauliflower Alleygaroo! Don't we know archaic …

    Walt KellyWalt Kelly quote #16
  2. One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know.

    Groucho MarxGroucho Marx quote #34
  3. Taste my tuna casserole - tell me if I put in too much hot fudge.

    Woody AllenWoody Allen quote #78