Judd Apatow: Transition from Comedic to Dramatic

By: Alex Harris

After seeing Judd Apatow’s latest film, Funny People, this past weekend, one thing has become clear: Judd Apatow has gotten ahead of himself as we are witnessing the sad, sad transition from comedic to dramatic.

We all understand that Judd Apatow will always hold a firm place in our hearts, aiding in the creation of masterpieces such as Anchorman, 40 Year Old Virgin, and even classic productions like Cable Guy and Heavy Weights. But, he needs to understand that the reason the world places him in such high regard is a consequence of his comedic talent, not his dramatic rabble-rousing. I mean, sure, a movie (like Knocked Up for example) can maintain its comical value, all while adding a more sensitive, market-expanding side story. Funny People, on the other hand, seemed to be directed in the opposite fashion. In other words, the thought process seemed to be, “Let’s make a drama, and spark up the comedic light when necessary.” Poor decision, Judd. Stop decreasing your popularity while you’re still on top of the world.

As a director, he’s brought 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and now Funny People. I look at each of these movies as a rung on what I like to call the comedo-dramatic ladder of cinematography. Flashy? Maybe, but hear me out.

40 Year Old Virgin - 75% Comedy, 25% Drama - Steve Carrel, Paul Rudd, and tits that feel like sandbags… I think you get the idea.

Knocked Up - 50% Comedy, 50% Drama - Anything Seth Rogen stars in is going to be comedic, yet this movie had the perfect blend of comedy and drama that left everyone and their mother walking out of the theater laughing harder than Chris Farley after stealing 30 bag-o-lunches.

Funny People - 25% Comedy, 75% Drama - Judd Apatow was smart for naming his newest movie as he did, because that’s what kept me laughing. Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, and Jonah Hill are arguably the funniest people on the planet, and Eric Banna and Leslie Mann were perfect for their roles. But, I didn’t go out to see a romantic comedy, I went to see a Judd Apatow movie.

The Verdict: Unless you see Funny People a second, or perhaps even a third time, you won’t be quoting it nearly as much as the classics, and you’ll leave the theater greatly anticipating Judd’s next film. Let’s just hope he takes a step up the ladder the next time around.