"Surely You Can't Be Serious" - Summary

Have you ever laughed out loud during a movie and thought, "They can't be serious!" Well, get ready to dive into the comedic brilliance of David Zucker, the mastermind behind Airplane! and other cinematic gems. "Surely You Can't Be Serious" is more than just a memoir; it's a hilarious and insightful journey into the mind of one of comedy's most influential figures. Zucker takes readers behind the scenes of his illustrious career, offering anecdotes and reflections that are both entertaining and enlightening.

This book delves into three key ideas that have shaped Zucker's approach to comedy:

• 1. The Power of Deadpan Delivery:
  Zucker firmly believes that comedic timing and delivery are crucial to landing a joke. He emphasizes the "deadpan" approach, where actors deliver even the most absurd lines with a straight face, creating a hilarious contrast that amplifies the humor. He illustrates this with behind-the-scenes stories of how actors like Leslie Nielsen and Robert Hays perfected this art in his films.
• 2. Finding Humor in the Unexpected:
  Zucker reveals his knack for spotting comedic potential in the mundane and the serious. He champions the art of subverting expectations, taking familiar situations, genres, or tropes and injecting them with unexpected twists and absurd humor. The book explores how he transformed disaster movie clichés into comedic gold in Airplane! and turned a simple police procedural into the wildly successful Naked Gun franchise.
• 3. Collaboration Breeds Comedy:
  Zucker stresses the importance of collaboration in his creative process. He delves into his long-standing partnership with Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, fondly known as the "ZAZ team." He shares how their distinct comedic styles complemented each other, leading to a unique brand of humor that resonated with audiences worldwide. The book is filled with anecdotes that highlight the joys, challenges, and creative sparks that come from collaborative comedy writing and filmmaking.

FAQs:

• Q: Is this book only for fans of Zucker's movies? A: While fans will undoubtedly appreciate the behind-the-scenes stories and insights, "Surely You Can't Be Serious" offers valuable lessons and observations on comedy that can benefit aspiring comedians, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the creative process.
• Q: Is the book as funny as Zucker's films? A: Zucker's signature wit and humor shine through in his writing style. The book is filled with hilarious anecdotes, self-deprecating humor, and insightful observations that are sure to tickle your funny bone.
• Q: Does the book cover Zucker's entire filmography? A: While the book focuses heavily on his most successful period with the ZAZ team and films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun, Zucker also touches upon his other projects and the evolution of his comedic sensibilities over the years.