Pooja Sharma
Limning poignancy in comedy, ‘Funny People’ by directorial force Judd Apatow focuses on the irreverent forces that determine the trajectory of our lives. The 2009 comedy-drama film follows the story of a famous comedian George Simmons who decides to mentor a struggling comedian named Ira. However, Simmons’ life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a fatal diagnosis. It isn’t long before George and Ira become close friends, and an old flame from George’s life reappears. Not too later, a strange turn of events leads his disease into remission and leaves the star comedian re-evaluating his life and choices.
The movie features compelling performances by Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow, Aubrey Plaza, and Jason Schwartzman. Focusing on the jaded events that can rock a person to their core, it is driven by comical and terrifying events that can ensue in anyone’s life. Besides its star-studded cast, the movie focuses on lost chances and facing the unexpected, leaving its characters to reflect on the deliberations of their past. Given the film’s realistic portrayal of life, you might wonder if ‘Funny People’ is based on true events. Luckily, we’ve got all the answers!
Funny People is a Fictional Story
No, ‘Funny People’ is not based on a true story. Director Judd Apatow also pens the screenplay for the movie. In addition to quips and laughs at every turn, the comedy film earnestly focuses on the dimensions of existence as well. From a renowned comedian with a mansion in Malibu to a struggling up-and-coming stand-up comic in his 20s, the story is carefully woven and represents a number of realistic elements. The story follows an unsaid poignancy that emerges out of a painstaking ordeal. As the story progresses and George overcomes leukemia, he realizes that he’s still enveloped in misery.
Along with his mentee Ira, George quickly discovers that he needs to set things straight and get back with Laura, his ex-fiancee or the one who got away. However, he must face her Australian husband and her family before he can rekindle the flames with his old love. The story progresses into a heartfelt camaraderie between characters as they lend an ear to each other, solve problems, and emerge victorious from personal battles.
Several instances within the story emulate an authentic inspiration. The movie opens with an old video of actor Adam Sandler who plays George Simmons, making prank calls, and features Ben Stiller and Janeane Garofalo as well. The montage is a piece of memorabilia from Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler’s days as roommates. Naturally, time and again, the movie evokes a life-like premise. Also featuring Judd Apatow’s wife, Leslie Mann, and their daughters, Maude Apatow and Iris Apatow, many are compelled to consider whether the movie is based on the director’s real-life experiences.
Additionally, Judd Apatow attributes the realistic elements of the movie to his journey as a comedian, which also resonates with the possibility of a true story. However, the director focuses the story on the experiences and disposition of a comedian and pairs it with the fundamental concept of death, which retains the capability of mirroring a true story. He posits his wealth of experiences as a comedian with a remarkable combination and gives the story a real-life twist.
As such, the narrative takes inspiration from the collective events of Judd Apatow’s life as a comedian but is still a work of fiction. Even though the story aggregates the camaraderie, love, friendship and guidance the creator may have observed in real-time, it is still not based on a true story or the life of a real person. As such, the director could embellish the premise and accentuate the storyline as per creative liberties.
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