Parting Shot

Judd Apatow

While Judd Apatow is best known for directing comedies like Trainwreck and Knocked Up, his range of talent as a director encompasses drama as well, which is more than evident in his new film The King of Staten Island, available now On Demand. “It’s definitely a slightly different type of movie for me.” Loosely based on the life of Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson, it features Scott, a directionless, troubled young man trying to finally deal with the loss of his father at a young age (Davidson’s real-life firefighter father died on 9/11). “We really tried to honor the story. For the first time I wasn’t trying to compress the comedy and make every single line funny.” Although the film is fictional, Apatow says it’s some of his most honest work. “In a weird way it couldn’t be more honest.” That’s due in part to Davidson’s performance and the script (which he co-wrote with Apatow and Dave Sirus). Apatow says there were “a lot of deep conversations.” The result: a surprisingly poignant—and yes, funny—performance. “He was brave for allowing himself to be that vulnerable.”

What do you think people will be most surprised by about Pete’s story and performance?

Most people don’t’t really know him. I think this is the truest representation of who he is as a person and his sense of humor. He’s just a wonderful, big-hearted person with struggles we all can relate to.

Why do you think comics are often surprisingly good dramatic actors?

Anyone who is great at stand-up is usually very honest and open. They’re authentic people. They’re very intelligent. Those are skills you need to be an actor or actress.

How do you think 9/11 impacted how New York City is conveyed in movies?

When we were shooting at firehouses, we met an enormous amount of people who had deep connections and losses on 9/11. It felt like it had happened just a few months ago. People in that community were all profoundly affected. At the same time, they are the most wonderful, brave people I’ve ever met. It changed me being around them.

How do you think the coronavirus pandemic has impacted comedy in a positive way?

It certainly forces everyone to look at comedy from a different angle. We’re really getting to see the essence of people. There’s a stripped-down nature that reveals us all in new ways.

“Even though it’s all made up, in a weird way it couldn’t be more honest.”