Laurence Olivier said in an interview once that when he plays a tragedy he always aims for the funny parts and the other way around. Because in a comedy you look for what's serious. I think that's true. Sometimes things are really funny if you're absolutely earnest. If you're really serious it's hilarious.
It's not only imagination it's the distortion of the vision. You suddenly think This person is idealistic this person is strong this person has dreams when you know better most of the time. You put what you want to see on people.