Jason Mantzoukas: "Improv is Funny, But it Doesn't Have to Be"

Jason Mantzoukas was performing improv comedy in the early days of UCB and since then has truly become a master in the field, so heed these words all you improv hopefuls; Sometimes grasping for a joke will ruin a good scene.
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[@bedofroses03]

I've seen Jason being typecasted as the weird/crazy guy in so many tv shows/movies that sometimes I forget how actually intelligent,brilliant,deep and interesting he is.

[@savannaarral1481]

This is an absolutely fabulous interview with Mr. Mantzoukas- the idea of improv as an exploration of emotion rather than a vehicle for laughs is something I hadn't ever really thought about, but is striking.

[@moviedude22]

This is a full course meal, he's packing in so much wisdom and insight, that I've had to re watch this multiple multiple times. Rarely has anyone dissected the crux of improvisational humor, performance to me in such precise manner. Thank you

[@samanderson8101]

This is one of the more insightful interviews about improv I have ever seen.

[@bipolarwanderer]

Holy molly he’a smart. It’s official I am in love with him. He’s not JUST a comedian, he’s a wise performer too!

[@looney1023]

He is so fucking weird, so talented, so wise, and absolutely riveting to listen to. He literally has it all going for him.

[@tpstrat14]

I’ve never seen a more effective straight man performance than his in the dictator. Every time Aladeen says something ridiculous he’s just like “No! That isn’t true at all!” in the most hilariously serious way and Aladeen just shrugs. Such a great duo.

[@happybirthday146]

Hahaha, yes!

[@MrDannyArroyo]

There is power in stillness.
Great interview. Insightful.

[@Cloroqx]

The reaction shots to the interviewer were absolutely hilarious.

[@ayex_88]

YAHS

[@happybirthday146]

:) This totally reminds me of when Jason had a moment on a live episode of How Did This Get Made where he said, "I'd like a version of this movie where [something]," and there was a beat of complete silence. So he added, "I didn't say YOU had to like it." Audience laughed. His masterful zen comfort in front of an audience carries him like magic.

[@erodtv]

This a brilliant explanation of the power of Improv. So well said.

[@bathwindow]

This episode was great Sam. Thank you so much for doing what you do.

[@tashasteeves]

Zero dislikes. This guy is a genius.

[@ThunderTaker1215]

Jason is such a beautiful person.

[@element4studios]

Inspirational.

[@JonahNelson7]

That like to dislike ratio, wow. Over 1000 to 2. I don't think I've ever seen a better one than that

[@lb5368]

I think it would be both terrifying and exhilarating to be onstage and weeping openly during a scene for so long, with the audience growing more and more uncomfortable as the minutes tick by. With a scene partner as brilliant as D'Arcy Carden it seems like this would work really well. Wish I could have been in the audience that night!

[@winterlighthome]

He is the real deal.

[@uhurus2]

Improv is an art.....

[@DarrenSemotiuk]

Jason crying
That was foreshadowing Rosa breaking up with Adrian

[@averhamilton8823]

whats the spots on his eyes and forehead? Also. hes amazing.

[@trublgrl]

Hey nong, man.

[@MrDrewseph]

Janet 😍

[@jasonlatimer55]

God this so so fucking true

[@ruinedfall]

i need him to teach me

[@AwesomeFace152]

heynong man

[@ethancushing]

heynong man

[@lostinthedub8544]

Rafi holy shit

[@fightclub6291]

And as an audience member I'd rather hear a few GREAT jokes. More than a dozen or more throw away (I could've come up with that) type of jokes.

[@Geepstar]

The off camera show is my newest BEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN.. next to Quantin Tarantino's screenwriting tips. (but I really SHOULD GO START WRITING, but lazy. 46 years of age.. and I get $ 2250,- dollars from the Dutch government, because I am sick in the head. (GENIUS)

[@j2mjen]

Raise your hand if you know him from Gilmore Guys

[@adrianglory8083]

Tik tok man

[@gardenlover9663]

I love this guy, but his colognes are crap.

[@idontevenlikemoney]

hahaha

[@memoranda1]

who is this guy?

[@rickdavenport9538]

Rafi from the League.

[@mnchls]

Better than you.

[@nunyabizness3878]

Seriously?

[@happybirthday146]

ua-cam.com/video/UWse86dPqiY/v-deo.html

[@bboooobbyy]

improv is awful. it's only real utility is as an exercise to train comedians' instincts. As performance art it's insufferable

[@idontevenlikemoney]

D&D is guided improv and it's the greatest thing ever.

[@wishesandfishes]

What? You've never been to a good improv show?

[@X85283]

It's hard to take someone with public burp fetish seriously when it comes to pretty much anything.