The audience. They see the name Mel Brooks, they want something really funny. They don't want to be moved; they don't want to be taught any lessons. [...] I get more letters for ๏ปฟTwelve Chairs ๏ปฟand ๏ปฟLife Stinks๏ปฟ than I get from any other movies, because people actually agree with the philosophy, or were moved, or they love the movie.
Mel BrooksMy movies were not reaping the kind of emotional rewards that I wanted. I wanted them to be appreciated and they weren't. I didn't want the reviews to say, "Mel Brooks has made another movie," and you get the title somewhere in the second paragraph.
Mel BrooksFeeling different, feeling alienated, feeling persecuted, feeling that the only way to deal with the world is to laugh - because if you don't laugh you're going to cry and never stop crying - that's probably what's responsible for the Jews having developed such a great sense of humor. The people who had the greatest reason to weep, learned more than anyone else how to laugh.
Mel BrooksI usually start with the words. The rhythm of the words gives me the rhythm of the song, and then I look for the musical highlights in it to carry it.
Mel BrooksI'm married to a beautiful and talented woman who can lift your spirits just by looking at you.
Mel Brooks