Although humor is present in every one of my films, it has always been used as a way to make the darker, heavier stuff in my stories more palatable. I never set out to make 'Humpday' a comedy.

In this quote, Lynn Shelton explains how humor plays a crucial role in her films, but not as the primary focus. She clarifies that while humor is present in all of her work, it is often used to balance out the darker and heavier elements of the story. Shelton’s approach to humor is more about using it to create a contrast or provide relief from intense or serious topics, making these aspects of the story more palatable to the audience. This reflects her belief in the power of humor to ease emotional tension without undermining the gravity of the subject matter.

Shelton’s comment also touches on the intentionality behind her work, particularly with her film Humpday. She emphasizes that she never set out to make a comedy, but rather wanted to explore complex human emotions and situations. The humor in Humpday and her other films comes naturally from the characters and their interactions, rather than being forced for comedic effect. This reveals her belief that humor can arise from genuine human experiences, even in the most serious or awkward moments.

The origin of the quote lies in Shelton’s career as an independent filmmaker, known for her ability to blend comedy and drama seamlessly. She has directed films like Humpday and Your Sister’s Sister, which feature a mix of humor and emotional depth. Shelton’s style often revolves around exploring relationships, vulnerability, and difficult decisions, using humor as a tool to make the emotional weight of these themes more accessible without lightening their impact.

Ultimately, Shelton’s quote illustrates her nuanced approach to filmmaking. Rather than relying on humor as the driving force of her stories, she uses it as a way to balance the heavier moments, creating a more complete and emotionally resonant experience. Her films show that humor is not just for laughs but can be an essential component of storytelling that enhances the emotional complexity of a story.