I like big escapist films. It's odd because the type of comedian I am and the things I do when I'm writing and directing myself usually deal with the darker side of the human psyche and excruciating social faux pas. I often deal in taboos and the subjects I do as a stand-up are quite challenging. But my film roles have been much more fun and escapist.
Ricky GervaisSometimes I'll be confident and go into a shop and say, "Hello, yeah, all right," and then the next day, if someone looks at me or talks to me, I just don't know what to do. If you're walking down the street with a baseball cap, you might be fine. But if you're in a pub and you see someone look at you, you think the worst thing in the world now is if they come over. It's a really weird feeling.
Ricky GervaisFunny bones, to me, are more important than funny lines. If a comedian is just not likable and doing the lines, you could read them yourself. Whereas if someone [you like] shambles out, and they tell you what a bad day they've had, they don't have to say anything. I love them. I want to hug them because they've been through something. And it comes back to empathy, always empathy.
Ricky GervaisYou can just keep getting it worse until you have to pull back and let the audience breathe. But yeah, I really love digging.
Ricky GervaisDo unto othersโฆโ is a good rule of thumb. I live by that. Forgiveness is probably the greatest virtue there is. But thatโs exactly what it is - a virtue. Not just a Christian virtue. No one owns being good. Iโm good. I just donโt believe Iโll be rewarded for it in heaven. My reward is here and now. Itโs knowing that I try to do the right thing. That I lived a good life. And thatโs where spirituality really lost its way. When it became a stick to beat people with. โDo this or youโll burn in hell.โ You wonโt burn in hell. But be nice anyway.
Ricky Gervais