"If I have to move up in a building, I choose the elevator over the escalator. Because one time I was riding the escalator and I tripped. I fell down the stairs for an hour and a half"

Demetri Martin's quote utilizes humor and embellishment to deliver an amusing commentary on the ordinary experience of choosing between an elevator and an escalator. At its core, the statement is a comical exaggeration that uses the physical structure of escalators and the possible risks they might position. Here's a deeper interpretation:

The quote starts with an uncomplicated preference-- picking an elevator over an escalator. Elevators are typically viewed as a safer, more convenient choice for moving in between floors in a structure. This start sets up an affordable adequate premise that people can relate to. Martin then introduces an anecdote that takes a dogleg into the absurd, claiming he tripped on an escalator and consequently fell down "for an hour and a half". This is where the humor lies; it is an impossible, exaggerated situation created to elicit laughter.

The concept of falling "for an hour and a half" is physically impossible on a typical escalator. This hyperbole serves to underline the absurdity intrinsic in accidents and the irrational worries or feelings we sometimes connect to minor accidents. It pokes fun at how individuals can sometimes turn small events into larger-than-life stories.

Furthermore, the joke shows a common comical method of escalation (pun meant). Martin begins with a relatable setup, presents a slightly surprising element (tripping), and then intensifies it to an absurd conclusion. This unanticipated twist challenges the audience's expectations and highlights the comedian's ability in using language and timing to craft a punchline.

Through this exaggerated representation, Martin humorously conveys the concept that, in some cases, the tiniest accident can feel disproportionately considerable. It's a spirited suggestion of how people often exaggerate their stories, deliberately or not, and how humor can assist us face the mundane obstacles of everyday life.