I Used to Be Funny
No quote this time, just *insert Phoebe Bridgers song* to make it more emotional
That being said, I need a list of all movies with a Phoebe Bridgers needle drop, because that almost to a certainty means the movie was made for me. I threw this movie on because of Rachel Sennott who was great, but I don’t think I was ready for how heavy this was. Yes, it has its comedic parts as Rachel is very funny, but definitely was not the point. This movie did a great job of creating an environment that let you empathize with what she was dealing with, even if you didn’t ultimately know why. Mental health is not something easy to portray, but I think this film did a good job of showing its many faces. I did sadly find it somewhat predictable and did guess where it was going much before the film intended. Along with that, the ending seemed to find a resolution in about 2 minutes, when the rest of the film was a slow burn letting you be fully engulfed in what she was going through. Despite these issues, Rachel was great and it was good to see her in a different role from what she plays in Shiva Baby, Bottoms, and Bodies, Bodies, Bodies. Despite the fact this movie may not be an A-Film, I think it does let her demonstrate her range and how naturally funny she really is. Ultimately, I Used to Be Funny is a raw and honest exploration of mental health. Rachel Sennott’s performance is undeniably captivating, showcasing her range as an actress and that we will be seeing her more and more as time goes on. While it has a predictable story and rushed conclusion dampens its impact, it's a great take on such a heavy topic. I Used to Be Funny is a reminder that even the funniest people carry their own burdens, and it’s okay to not always be okay and surround yourself with people who care.
-J
