How to write a screenplay that tackles serious topics (incest, abuse, addiction) within the comedy genre without it being poorly received?
I'm currently writing a dramedy (based on my life) that explores the meeting of two characters who have lived very difficult lives, dealing with abuse, incest, and addiction. I want to blend different genres, including moments of romance, drama, and comedy, to create a strong contrast. One of my two main characters is particularly provocative and has a very offbeat sense of humor. He acts like a madman and constantly finds himself in bizarre, over-the-top situations. The story alternates between touching moments and outrageous anecdotes.
I'm worried that my screenplay might be seen as exploiting serious topics for entertainment purposes. Since the story itself isn't very original—a choice I fully embrace—I’ve decided to focus on humor and the depth of the characters. At the same time, I really don’t want my story to feel like yet another tale of depressed teens in love.
What advice would you give me?