The difference between comedy and tragedy is not all that great. We tend to laugh at the misfortunes of others – provided they are minor – as a way of relieving social tension.

There was the example of a woman laughing as a case fell off the top of the tourist bus, bursting open with all the lingerie falling out – until she realised the case was her own.

Tragedy is such comedy, but more so, and the Romans might find lions eating Christians funny, as too peasants watching heretics burn, but most find this distressing.

“Little Miss Sunshine” can be seen as tragic, as a family of losers cater to young daughter/sister’s ambition to win a talent competition – when she has no obvious talent, and is hardly pretty.

Young Olive has a dance routine that her old grandpa has taught her, but none of the rest of the family has ever seen her perform.

The punchline, and revenge on snooty competition organisers, comes, when she DOES get to perform. Shock and horror! But the losers emerge somewhat triumphant, and drive off home – having each learnt something from their trip.

This movie is a little gem.

From a Usenet friend.