Are men funnier than women? That question is one of the stupider distractions to derail female writers, actors, directors and filmmakers in recent years, because it puts women on the defensive and forces them to "prove" they are funny/write funny/know funny/can make funny. Within the wider challenges of the film industry, this has set up different challenges for women in getting... [read more]

Are men funnier than women? That question is one of the stupider distractions to derail female writers, actors, directors and filmmakers in recent years, because it puts women on the defensive and forces them to "prove" they are funny/write funny/know funny/can make funny. Within the wider challenges of the film industry, this has set up different challenges for women in getting specifically comedic film projects off the ground, from script to directing to funny roles for women to the practicalities of getting funded. Is it because, as NYT film critic Manolha Dargis has said, "It's all guys making deals with other guys?" Is it that women are hidden behind-the-scenes, as was debated in the "Daily Show vs. Jezebel" controversy? Are things changing thanks to trailblazers like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig? How present are women in the surging Judd Apatow/Jonah Hill/Paul Rudd/David Wain canons - as stars, or supporting roles? And is it harder to get to the audience before the audience - the gatekeepers of the industry (and it's money) - who are those gatekeepers, what does their gender tend to be, and is there a humor divide? Or is funny funny, and can women make dick jokes as well as any guy?

Finally, consider this comment: "It is incredibly difficult to find beautiful, talented, funny women over 35.” Every heard that about a dude? That was said by Colette Burson, co-creator of Hung. There's probably a dick joke in there.