Meaning: The quote "In a comedy it helps enhance things that were already there" by Ivan Reitman, a renowned Canadian film director and producer, offers insight into the nature of comedy and its relationship to reality. Reitman's words suggest that comedy has the ability to amplify pre-existing elements, emotions, and situations, rather than creating entirely new ones. This quote reflects the idea that comedy often derives its humor from highlighting and exaggerating the absurdities, contradictions, and ironies present in real life.

Comedy has long been a popular form of entertainment, valued for its ability to provide relief from the stresses of everyday life, offer social commentary, and foster a sense of community through shared laughter. Reitman's assertion emphasizes the role of comedy as a magnifying lens, reframing familiar scenarios and human behaviors in a way that exposes their inherent comedic potential.

Comedy frequently draws its material from the complexities and contradictions of human existence, and, as Reitman suggests, it thrives on enhancing and amplifying these inherent elements. Whether it's the incongruities of human relationships, the absurdities of societal norms, or the quirks of individual personalities, comedy has a unique ability to shed light on the idiosyncrasies of human nature. By doing so, it allows audiences to recognize and laugh at the inherent absurdities and contradictions that permeate their own lives.

Furthermore, Reitman's quote hints at the notion that comedy serves as a mirror to reality, reflecting and amplifying the quirks and foibles of human behavior. Through the use of exaggeration, irony, and satire, comedy has the power to magnify the inherent absurdities in our lives, offering a fresh perspective on familiar situations and inviting audiences to find humor in the mundane.

Reitman's statement resonates with the idea that comedy is not simply about creating something entirely new or fantastical; rather, it is about revealing the humor that already exists within the fabric of everyday life. It is this ability to enhance and elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary that often makes comedy so relatable and universally appealing.

In the world of filmmaking, Reitman's quote can be seen as a guiding principle for creators of comedic content. It suggests that successful comedy often stems from a keen observation of human nature and an astute ability to heighten and exaggerate the inherent absurdities and contradictions present in reality. By amplifying these elements, comedic filmmakers can create narratives and characters that resonate with audiences on a deeply human level, eliciting laughter through their recognition of familiar human experiences.

In conclusion, Ivan Reitman's quote offers a valuable perspective on the nature of comedy and its relationship to reality. By emphasizing comedy's role in enhancing pre-existing elements, emotions, and situations, Reitman highlights the genre's ability to magnify the inherent absurdities and contradictions of human existence. Ultimately, his words underscore the idea that comedy, at its core, is rooted in truth, and it is this truth that forms the foundation of its humor and universal appeal.