“And they lived happily ever after.”
This Is 40 begins where most romantic comedies end, bold and candid in it’s depiction of marriage, extended family relationships, child-rearing, financial stress, and coming to terms with one’s mid-life identity. The film, raw and unequivocal, was inspired by Director Judd Apatow’s life and stars his wife and two children. We sat down with the director and husband to actress Leslie Mann to talk about the inspiration for the film.
For Apatow, writing about his life naturally took form as he began writing out moments of his life. He knew that he wanted to talk about Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie’s (Leslie Mann) 40th birthday and the meltdown that comes along with approaching mid-life. What I love about the film is how this symbolic, “coming-of-middle-age” story affects every facet of a person’s life. Turning 40 (or whatever age one considers to be the number that signifies the transition to mid-life) can trigger a crisis in a person’s life, and Apatow wanted the film to be a “meltdown movie” where this couple begins doubting everything, including their marriage. One of the resonating themes in the film is the tendency to shirk responsibility for what’s going on in a marriage. “It’s easier to blame your spouse than to think about what you’re been through in your life and what you’re bringing to the party (Apatow).” While the film depicts some of the most difficult struggles a family can encounter, it is incredibly redemptive and ends with the couple rebonding, something that was important as Apatow was conceptualizing the film.
One of the many things I appreciate about the film is it’s honest portrayal of marriage. Too often, today’s romantic comedies/dramas idealize relationships, presenting them from a glass is always half full perspective. This film is “about what it takes to be committed to somebody for your entire life. You have bumps along the way, and at moments you even doubt the entire enterprise. But I do think [the film] is about what it takes to hang in there and learn from your mistakes and have a deep commitment for somebody (Apatow).”
As Apatow spoke about the film, I sensed how deeply personal his connection was to the story. “When I was a kid and my parents got divorced, I always thought, ‘Why didn’t they try harder?’ (Apatow).” In the midst of this busy holiday season, where the stresses of children, finances, schedules, extended family and life can intensify comes a film with a message so timely…so necessary…Even amidst the worst relationships, Peter and Debbie don’t give up.
This Is 40 is in theaters Friday, December 21st.
No compensation was received for this post. Interviews with the Director were arranged which helped facilitate the writing of this post.
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