The Origins of Wit and Humor

The Origins of Wit and Humor is a unique comedy-drama film from 2015, directed by Christian Gridelli and featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Joe Hursley, Steve Lemme, and Karisa Bruin.

The film centers around the character Les Candalero (played by Joe Hursley) who is dealing with a heartbreaking, and a rather messy, split from his long-time girlfriend. He is an average Joe, grappling with the everyday struggles of life, adding the sting of a broken relationship to the list. Scenes present the picture of a demoralized, defeated man, but this poignant narrative quickly takes an original turn when Les finds an ancient book that promises to hold the secrets to humor.

Needless to say, he grabs onto this newfound discovery as a lifeline. In his desperation to win back the love of his life, he decides to unmask the mechanics of funny, believing that by becoming funnier, he can get his ex-girlfriend back. The premise is universally familiar; an individual stumbles upon a potential lifechanger, a key to altering circumstances, turning life around and winning back lost love. Yet, the narrative here is realized through unique concepts that revolve around the mysteries of humor.

The film entertains as it situates its protagonist in hilarious scenarios, where Les tries to apply the ancient book's principles to cultivate his comedic skills. Joe Hursley delivers a fittingly earnest and awkwardly hilarious performance as the desperate Les, bringing the narrative's comedic and emotional distances to life with captivating realism.

Meanwhile, Les interacts with a range of characters, each more bizarre than the last, as he embarks on this quest of humorous transformation. His coworkers, his competitive and callous sibling, and a seemingly mystical charm peddler played by Steve Lemme all become part of his journey. They partake in and indirectly contribute to Les's attempts to reconcile love and laughter, carrying the storyline forward in unpredictable ways.

Karisa Bruin, as Les's former girlfriend, creates a significant impact with her role. Her character, while the motivation behind Les's journey, transcends the typical 'ex-girlfriend' narrative as she evolves throughout the film. Her performance imbues the film with a likable and important female presence that rounds out the cast and complements the overall narrative.

What sets The Origins of Wit and Humor apart is its inventive narrative, rooted in the realm of comedy yet woven through with strands of poignant drama, complex personal relationships, and a touch of the fantastical. It’s a comedy film that doesn't simply aim for laughs but is a commentary on humor itself - its mechanism, its influences, and its powerful effects on human relations.

The beauty of this movie is that it's built on a universally human experience - heartbreak, and the sometimes desperate measures people undertake to mitigate the emptiness it leaves behind. Here, the element of humor is incorporated as the remedy, and it presents a unique blend of absurdity and sensibility as we journey alongside the protagonists through his comedic education and emotional rehabilitation.

The Origins of Wit and Humor is a distinctive and well-thought-out film that takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of laugh-out-loud moments, deep-seated sadness, the magic of an ancient book, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a journey filled with hilarity while offering introspection into the essence of humor, making it a must-watch not just for comedy film fans but for all film enthusiasts. As Les navigates his way through the highs and lows of lif e in an attempt to become funnier, viewers are treated to emotional highs and lows, providing an extensive insight into the vast range and power of humor.