Fabian Stumm’s mellow, non-violent take on the Joker in Sad Jokes poignantly dissects the emotional range of jokes in all its facets, as featured in TIFF’s Discovery section this year.
Have you ever wondered why everyone has a distinctive laugh that defines their personality? The intonation, the pitch, and even the timing are different for each person. It’s more than just a fingerprint—it’s a unique identifier. Jokes, the primary source of laughter or confusion, become a targeted medium for escapism, a form of liberation that distances people from their own realities. However, Fabian Stumm uncovers a new perspective on laughter by posing the question: “What about sad jokes?”
Joseph (played by Fabian Stumm himself) and Sonya (Haley Louise Jones), with whom he shares a son, are best friends. Yet, Joseph is a gay man who has just broken up with his former partner, Marc (Jonas Dassler), and is planning to make a passionate comedy film. In reality, Joseph is surrounded by complexities—dealing with Sonya’s serious depression and his own tangled career and romantic life. Surprisingly, Joseph’s desire for control somehow manages to balance this chaos, transforming it into a moment of unexpected clarity.
Fabian Stumm’s experimentation with the many facets of comedy is remarkable. He deconstructs the very foundation of jokes and spins it like a globe filled with interconnected clues. Stumm juxtaposes philosophies and absurdism, exploring different layers of laughter—whether through intentional gags, heartbreaking remarks, or a hostile attitude that belittles others. At times, he contrasts humor with its opposite, placing them side by side to redefine what a joke can be. Whether it’s sarcasm during an intense argument, laughter arising from the depths of a degenerative mental illness, or outward joy masking hidden pain, Stumm exquisitely portrays humor through these varied scenarios.
He also raises questions about the nature of humor, especially regarding acceptance, as what’s considered “funny” is subjective. Stumm delves deeper into this paradox, surprising the audience with twists that offer an artistic exploration of the structure of humor.
TIFF Discovery selection Sad Jokes resembles a mellow, non-violent version of Joker, examining the essence of dark comedy through layers of abstract analysis. The film evolves into a satire, highlighting that comedy can take many forms, including unexpected bursts of laughter that touch on the complexities of an individual’s life journey. Sad Jokes weaves humor into Joseph’s personal, nuanced life, finding life in the humor of those around him. Ultimately, it suggests that jokes, when they resonate deeply, stretch the muscles of the lips into the most genuine smile possible.
Explore our coverage of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival here.
