Lights, Camera, Ancient Greece: Comedy, Tragedy, and Tragicomedy for the Modern Writer

If you’re a young writer looking to hone your storytelling skills, you might not think to look back to the ancient Greeks. However, these playwrights mastered the art of comedy, tragedy, and tragicomedy – genres that are still alive and well in our movies today. Let’s break down these genres and see how they’re playing out on the big screen:

1. Comedy: Laughter as a Reflection of Life

• Ancient Greece: Aristophanes, the master of Greek comedy, used satire and farce to poke fun at politics, society, and even the gods themselves. His plays, like “Lysistrata” (where women withhold sex to end a war), were outrageous, insightful, and always hilarious.
• Modern Movies:
  • “Booksmart” (2019): Two academic overachievers realize they’ve missed out on the fun of high school and try to cram four years of partying into one night. It’s a raucous comedy about friendship, self-discovery, and the awkwardness of growing up.
  • “Bridesmaids” (2011): A hilarious take on the chaos and competition that can surround a wedding, showcasing the ups and downs of female friendships with a lot of laughs.
  • “The Big Lebowski” (1998): This cult classic is a mix of quirky characters, absurd situations, and philosophical musings – a reminder that comedy can be found in the most unexpected places.

2. Tragedy: Exploring the Depths of Human Suffering

• Ancient Greece: Think Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” – a king unknowingly fulfills a prophecy to kill his father and marry his mother. Greek tragedies often explored themes of fate, hubris (excessive pride), and the inevitability of suffering.
• Modern Movies:
  • “Manchester by the Sea” (2016): This heartbreaking film deals with grief, guilt, and the struggle to move forward after a devastating loss.
  • “Requiem for a Dream” (2000): A harrowing depiction of addiction and its destructive impact on individuals and families.
  • “There Will Be Blood” (2007): An intense character study of ambition, greed, and the dark side of the American Dream.

3. Tragicomedy: Finding Humor in the Darkness

• Ancient Greece: Euripides experimented with tragicomedy, blending elements of tragedy and comedy to create plays that were both thought-provoking and surprisingly funny.
• Modern Movies:
  • “Parasite” (2019): This Oscar-winning film is a dark comedy thriller that explores class struggle, social inequality, and the lengths people go to survive. It’s both funny and disturbing, leaving the audience with a lot to think about.
  • “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022): On a remote Irish island, a man’s sudden decision to end a lifelong friendship leads to unexpected consequences. A blend of quirky humor and deep sadness.
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” (2014): A faded Hollywood star attempts a comeback on Broadway in this film that explores themes of identity, ego, and the fleeting nature of fame. It’s both funny and introspective.

The Takeaway for Young Writers

These ancient genres still have a lot to teach us. Use comedy to find humor in everyday life, tragedy to explore the pain and suffering of the human condition, and tragicomedy to walk the line between laughter and tears.

So, next time you’re watching a movie, ask yourself: is this a comedy, a tragedy, or a tragicomedy? What elements of the story are making you laugh, cry, or think? By analyzing these films, you’ll gain valuable insights that you can apply to your own writing.