Cast
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Adam Sandler
as George Simmons
Seth Rogen
as Ira Wright
Leslie Mann
as Laura
Eric Bana
as Clarke
Jonah Hill
as Leo Koenig
Jason Schwartzman
as Mark Taylor Jackson
Aubrey Plaza
as Daisy Danby
RZA
as Chuck
Aziz Ansari
as Randy
Maude Apatow
as Mable
Iris Apatow
as Ingrid
Torsten Voges
as Dr. Lars
Allan Wasserman
as Dr. Stevens
Rod Man
as Rod Man
Wayne Federman
as Comedy & Magic Manager
Crew
Director
- Judd Apatow
Writer
- Judd Apatow
Producer
- Judd Apatow
- Barry Mendel
- Clayton Townsend
Reviews
tmdb47633491
JUDD'S BEST MOVIE DON'T @ ME
BETTER THAN LA DOLCE VITA DON'T @ ME
May 4, 2018
Kamurai
Really good watch, would watch again, and can recommend.
I don't know if it's that Adam Sandler is playing a dying character, or that Seth Rogan is miserable, that the idea of being a professional comedian is especially appealing, or that they just did a fine job mixing a serious situation with a lot of comedy while mixing in some showcase of humanity, particularly human values.
There are a couple of really good "finding self" tropes in this. It's good to see "behind the curtain" of comedy. The cast is excellent, and not because he strayed from his typical Happy Madison group, but just that they clearly know what it is to be those people and were able to give excellent deliveries.
Anytime you're dealing with a "character is dying" trope, it has to be handled a very particular way, and usually that is overly serious ("The Fault in Our Stars"), but adding humor allows the story to be more palatable ("Stranger Than Fiction"), but it requires extreme balance to not trivialize the death of the character ("Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"), and without being fantastic, this does an very good job of finding that balance, just with more "dick and fart" jokes.
I think this is a good watch for anyone who likes stand up or follows comedic actors (such as SNL actors).
Oct 4, 2020
Andre Gonzales
Weird movie. Not really sure of the point of the movie. But there just a weird comedy. 2 stand up comedians out for some fun I guess.
May 17, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Funny People examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Judd Apatow brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Funny People took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $75.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 146 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 202 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1567 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Funny People shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Annie Hall, which focuses more on action than character development, Funny People subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Fireworks and You, Me and Dupree explore similar territory, Funny People stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 30, 2009
- Runtime: 2h 26m
- Budget: $75,000,000
- Revenue: $71,600,000
Where to Watch
