The Cinematic Bias Against Comedy

Many times I've heard comedy fans gripe about the industry's reluctance to reward comedic achievement.

It's not surprising really. There is not much variation on what makes a good drama. A good story, compelling characters, and at least one literary reference no one will get. There are so many types of comedy, that if it doesn't fit any given person's sense of humor it simply won't work.

This is why if comedy writers want to be recognized they need to start writing rounder. Unless you're doing sketch comedy, every project is a movie first and a comedy second. There needs to be a real basis for the film. Slapping jokes on the screen for an hour and a half may please the local riffraff, but the big leagues require something that isn't a replacement for stand up comedy.

Comedies that desire industry credibility also need to write smarter. Regardless of how well "Meet the Spartans" does at the box office, it's still fucking stupid.