Comic giant Paul F. Tompkins joins the show and talks about his role in There Will Be Blood. They discuss early experiences with stand-up comedy and funny film ideas. They also delve into topics such as pie, cake, and quotes, filming 'There Will Be Blood,' comedians wanting to be left alone, parties and alcohol, the challenges of being a stand-up comedian, the struggles of being a comedian, the concept of time and value in art, the existence of ghosts and the complexity of the human mind, the power of the brain to create reality, exploring aesthetics and historical fiction, marriage and relationships, and playing with the phrase 'keep it crispy.'
The speaker's passion for comedy and the entertainment industry led them to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, where they can make people laugh and share their unique perspective on life.
The speaker embraces setbacks in their performances as opportunities for growth, using them to learn from other successful comedians who connect effectively with the audience.
The speaker recognizes the influence of Steve Martin on their comedy, appreciating his incorporation of artistic elements and acknowledging the impact he had on the comedy world.
The speaker encourages comedians to find their unique voice, take risks, and constantly work on improving to stand out in the industry, rejecting the idea that there is only one way to do comedy in order to succeed.
Deep dives
Growing up with a passion for show business
From a young age, the speaker always knew they wanted to be in show business. They found joy in making their friends laugh and watching talk shows, envisioning themselves as both the guest being interviewed and the host. The magic and excitement of the entertainment industry drew them in, and they began to pursue various creative outlets such as cartooning and humorous essays. The passion for comedy and entertainment eventually led them to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, where they could continue to make people laugh and share their unique perspective on life.
Navigating difficult performances and disappointments
The speaker acknowledges that not all performances are successful and that it can be disheartening when things don't go well on stage. However, they have learned to cope with these experiences and approach each show differently depending on the crowd and their expectations. They analyze the performances that come before them to understand the audience's preferences and adapt their act accordingly. They accept that sometimes a performance may not go as planned, but they use these setbacks as opportunities for growth and look for inspiration in other comedians who are able to connect with the crowd effectively.
Steve Martin as an influence and exploring different comedic styles
The speaker reflects on the influence of Steve Martin and relates to his desire to incorporate more artistic elements into his comedy. They appreciate the absurdist and anti-comedy style that Martin often employed, although they acknowledge that his approach may be more suited to the time when he was performing. They also recognize that Martin's decision to leave stand-up comedy may have been a combination of factors, including the desire to focus on other areas of his career, such as filmmaking. Despite any disappointment, the speaker still recognizes Martin's talent and the impact he had on the comedy world.
Dealing with the pressures and criticisms of the comedy industry
The speaker discusses the pressures and criticisms within the comedy industry. They suggest that some comedians may adhere to a certain set of rules in order to succeed in the club scene, where the main objective is to get as many laughs as possible and secure rebooking. However, the speaker expresses their frustration when these comedians approach comedy with a one-size-fits-all mentality, claiming that theirs is the only way to do comedy. They believe that there is room for creative freedom and encourage comedians to constantly work on improving, finding their unique voice, and taking risks in order to stand out in the field.
The Challenges of Being a Creative Couple
Being married to an actress while being a comedian can present its own set of challenges. Pete and his wife have found ways to navigate the difficulties of being in a creative couple, including supporting each other's careers, communicating openly, and finding a balance between personal and professional lives.
Finding Joy in the Present Moment
Pete discusses the importance of being present and enjoying the current moment, rather than constantly striving for future success. He reflects on the pain of feeling like he hasn't achieved certain goals yet, and the importance of appreciating the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination.
The Fear of Being Wrong
Pete shares his hesitation to admit when he's wrong or to disagree with loved ones due to a fear of losing credibility or causing conflict. He explores the societal pressure to be right and the difficulty in voicing one's true thoughts and feelings.
Discovering One's Personal Beliefs
Pete discusses his journey from being religious in his earlier years to becoming an atheist. He highlights the importance of examining one's beliefs, questioning societal conventions, and forming personal conclusions about spirituality and religion.
Comic giant Paul F. Tompkins comes by to talk about so much more than just his role in There WIll Be Blood, but let's be honest: you can't be in Pete's favorite film and have it NOT come up. Then, comedy. Then, sex. Then who knows. We get weird. WEIRD. And well dressed!
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