CinemaThe biggest “crime” a comedian can commit, according to Tom HanksWhen reflecting on the topic, the actor also pointed out that there is no middle ground in comedy: either you are funny, or you are not today at 08:00

Tom Hanks He is a great example of an actor who managed to transition well between comedy and drama. Humor was widely explored, especially at the beginning of his career as an actor, like in films The Man with the Red Shoe (1985), I want to be big (1986), An Almost Perfect Duo (1989) and Joe Against the Volcano (1990).

Dramas took up more space in his catalog from the 1990s onwards, but his knowledge of how to make comedy was not forgotten. A good demonstration of this was given in 2018.

In conversation with the Rolling Stone USA in the year in question, Hanks was asked about the humorous side of his career. First, he made it very clear that he considers himself an actor and not a comedian, but he revealed that he knows he has a knack for getting laughs from the audience.

I consider myself an actor before I consider myself a comedian. But I’m definitely aware that I’m funny and that my films are comedies.”

Next, Hanks revealed what is the biggest “crime” a comedian can commit. He also mentioned the biggest sin for those who want to stand out in the field.

Trying to be funny when you shouldn’t be funny is a crime. But not being funny when you should be is a sin. You shouldn’t do that. It doesn’t matter what it is, just don’t do it.”

Tom Hanks and the middle ground in comedy

In another interview, on the podcast BAFTA, Tom Hanks shared more reflections on the topic. And he drew attention when he said that he believes there is no middle ground in comedy: for him, either you are funny or you are not. No “kind of funny.”

You know, it’s about being funny or not being funny. It’s an epitome of sink or swim. The first job I got was because I was loud and funny, even louder and funnier, or maybe because I was the loudest of the people up for the role. And you can’t fake it, there’s no theory, it’s just like this: it’s funny or it’s not funny.”

The American also remembered another common problem in comedy films. For him, it is essential that not only the cast, but the entire production team have a keen sense of humor. Otherwise, the work may not work out — since an editor, for example, is capable of ruining a work by cutting out sections because he doesn’t understand them.

Collaborated: Augusto Ikeda.