Around this time last year Fresh Air host Terry Gross interviewed directors Judd Apatow and Wes Anderson, asserting her place on the Judd Apatow Chart. Last week she welcome Jason Schwartzman, who appeared in both films the directors discussed with Gross last fall, those being Funny People and The Fantastic Mr. Fox respectively. Now that Gross has interviewed all three talents it’s clear now that she’s really angling to be included on our Apatow web. Well, Terry, you keep at it, and next time we do an update we’ll see what we can do. If you could somehow finagle an appearance in one of their movies that would certainly be a big boost to your chances.
In addition to discussing his roles in Apatow and Anderson’s films, Schwartzman also talks about Bored to Death, as well as what it was like growing up in the Coppola family, so if you have 45 minutes, it’s worth a listen.
Well, not really. Not unless he casts her in his next movie. But maybe this time instead of stand-up comedians he’ll focus on the textured lives public radio personalities. Anyway!
Been a long time since we talked about Judd Apatow on here (some might say too long), but Apatow was on Fresh Air with Terry Gross today, primarily to promote the DVD (and Blu-Ray!) release of Funny People (in both in Theatrical and Unrated editions! So many choices! Digital Download!). Of course he also touched on Freaks & Geeks, casting his children in his movies, his history with Adam Sandler, and the one time while waiting to meet with Lorne Michaels he was overcome with weed paranoia. A must listen for any Apatow completist. A recommended listen for anyone who’s interested in the craft of comedy. A marginally encouraged listen for anyone who likes interviews, specifically public radio interviews. A must not listen for anyone who hates fun and/or does not have internet access.
Speaking of Funny People, and what would a quick post be without some sorta unnecessary commentary, while the movie was bloated and somewhat self-involved, I think that it will benefit from the passage of time. It wasn’t the kind of movie that lends itself to being seen in the theater with a full cackling, popcorn flying in the air from spastic laughter, kind of audience. It’s probably best viewed from the couch, with microwave popcorn in hand (and all the better! Did you read the new study on the caloric content of movie theater popcorn? It’s outrageous! Still going to buy it every time) and the flexibility to pause the film for (several) bathroom breaks. It moves at a glacial pace, but there was some good acting being done there, and it’s certainly Apatow’s most personal, introspective movie. The “you know how I know you’re gay?” jokes might not hold up in twenty years, but the sentiments and humanity in Funny People might. It’s just not that funny.
And finally, an excuse for this, the best part about Funny People!
(and yes, that includes Randy. He’s a close second. Followed by Eric Bana)
Jumped The Snark 