The Fun Comes from Tragedy

About This Movie

So, 'The Fun Comes from Tragedy' is a little gem from '82, though officially released in '84. You can really feel that student film vibe throughout, like they were experimenting with everything. The pacing is definitely uneven—sometimes it drags, but it has this raw energy. The themes of dark humor mixed with pathos are really intriguing; it’s like they were trying to find levity within sorrow, which makes it kind of striking. The performances are all over the place, but there’s a sincerity that’s hard to ignore. You can tell they used practical effects, and while they’re not always seamless, they add to the film’s unique atmosphere. It’s not your usual student short, and that’s what keeps it interesting.

Finding a copy of this film can be tricky, as it didn’t have a wide release and most of its copies are in private collections. The VHS format is where you’ll most likely encounter it, but even then, it’s not easy to track down. Collectors are starting to take more interest in these lesser-known student films, especially as they represent a time of raw creativity and experimentation. It's certainly one to keep an eye on if you're into obscure cinema.