Director: Judd Apatow
By Alex Watson
Judd Apatow seems to have a knack for being able to realistically examine modern day relationships and this trend continues with Trainwreck. Capturing a raw hilarity mixed with a slightly superficial tone, Apatow bring us one of the more ruder comedies of 2015. This is in part thanks to an excellent script by star Amy Schumer which essentially flips her directors usual man-up stories on its head. Prepare for some shocking debauchery to follow.
Amy Townsend (Amy Schumer) is a 20 something girl who lives life to the fullest. That is she likes to hook with any number of random men and refuses to settle down. She works as a writer for a men's magazine, S'Nuff under her ruthless editor Dianna (Tilda Swinton). Soon Amy is assigned to cover sport's doctor, Aaron Connors (Bill Hader) despite her lack of interest in sport. As the pair become acquainted a possible relationship begins to develop. Is Amy mature enough to finally work past her fears and commit to a monogamous relationship?
From the outset of Trainwreck Amy's love of sex is made abundantly clear, an opening sequence sees her taking the walk of shame on the Staten Island Ferry. Smartly this often rumbustious and fun-loving character is not one dimensional. Back in her youth when her parents divorced, her philandering and obnoxious father Gordon (Colin Quinn) set her 9 year old self straight on his belief on how "Monogamy isn't realistic". Because of this belief she openly mocks her contented and married sister Kim (Brie Larson). In short, Amy is afraid to embrace long term because simply, she does what she wants.
With Aaron in the picture, finally a real shot appears unlike her tepid romance with self-serving body builder Steven (John Cena). After cruising through life and its opportunities, Amy's reaction to this one is one of alarm. One scene sees her panicking when Aaron calls her post coitus, leading her airhead colleague Nikki (Vanessa Bayer) telling her that he is sick. Amy has a constant need to feel worthy of someone's love which Aaron attempts to overcome. Their love in the first half of the movie makes the movie run smoothly compared to an awkward second act. When a tragedy is involves it both advances and hinders the movie. Though intelligently, it forces the characters to think harder about themselves which brings about the question of whether this pairing is meant to be?
As this is an Apatow film, the funny is a very smart type and he is able to find comedic moments everywhere. The relationship between Amy and Aaron is very much the catalyst and it has sufficient charm to power the movie. The little moments alongside this are the ones that make film tick. From LeBron James 'accidentally' forgetting his wallet to dinner with Aaron or Dianne and the other writers of S'Nuff spit balling ludicrous ideas like "Ugliest Celeb Babies Under Six". Length wise, the movie is perhaps longer than it needs to be, but Apatow want us to feel involved in this world. Moments such as Amy's foul mouthed but sincere and loving eulogy at her father's funeral are too good to miss.
Unashamedly this movie is very a star making vehicle for Amy Schumer, which she dominates with ease. Fans of her comedy series 'Inside Amy Schumer' will be familiar with her approach to crude humour. Schumer gives us a modern day girl who isn't striving to make a living, she is attempting to be something she isn't familiar with- being faithful. Underneath it all, Schumer has written a wonderful and painfully real version of her experiences. Bill Hader is also finally given a more extended character than he is accustom to receiving and he equally anchors the film. LeBron James however, nearly steals the show playing a self-absorbed and possessive version of LeBron James! Apatow has made great use of him and it may make us want to see him in future efforts.
When Judd Apatow makes a comedy, you can usually expect a fun ride. Trainwreck may be filthy and course in places, but otherwise it is one ride you will come out of smiling. Relationships are a funny thing and might cause any number of ups and downs. Out there though, there is someone for everyone.
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