Some people can do things and get away with it. Comics are famously like that. Why is it that some guys can say the most horrible things and it's not offensive, it's funny?
Interpretation
The quote highlights the unique ability of comedians to express controversial ideas in a humorous way without facing backlash.
Christopher Walken's quote reflects the paradox of humor, particularly in the realm of comedy, where the intent and delivery can transform potentially offensive remarks into laughter. It suggests that comedians occupy a unique space in society where they can challenge norms and provoke thought through humor, often acting as a vehicle for critique or social commentary that might be unacceptable outside of comedic contexts.
In practice
Opening a comedy show with this quote to set the tone for edgy material.
I have this theory about words. There's a thousand ways to say "Pass the salt". It could mean, you know, "Can I have some salt?" or it could mean, "I love you.". It could mean, "I'm very annoyed with you". Really, the list could go on and on. Words are little bombs, and they have a lot of energy inside them.
People think that my favorite roles to do are villains, but I find comedy to be the most challenging and rewarding.
Can I confess something? I tell you this as an artist, I think you'll understand. Sometimes when I'm driving on the road at night I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The flames rising out of the flowing gasoline.
I've made movies that I thought were good. I've made movies that I thought were okay, but then I was very good. And sometimes you're in a movie and you think, I wish more people saw that - because you're good. And it just works out that the movie gets lost. But that's show business.
I've made movies that I thought were okay, but then I was very good. And sometimes you're in a movie and you think, 'I wish more people saw that' - because you're good. And it just works out that the movie gets lost. But that's show business.
I'm in a place in my life where I get offered parts that I didn't get offered before - fathers and uncles and grandfathers and so on. And it took me a long time to get to that place, but I'm glad because it opens up new territory.
Don't judge your taco by its price
My favourite comedian, of course, is Tim Conway. He has a way about him - being that belly-laugh kind of funny, and he has the improvisational skills, too. I've never seen anybody better.
You don't know what a rough crowd is. If all I have to do is go make people laugh, that's nothing. Let me tell you what a tough crowd is. A tough crowd is going to a morning service and you got six people there and you gotta pay your house payment. That's a tough crowd.
If I close my eyes and think of Hollywood, all I see is one big varicose vein.
I hope no one asks me to show them the ropes; I have no idea where they are. Maybe I could pull some strings and find out.
If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.
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