I Used to Be Funny Discussion with Alise Chaffins
In this episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I sit down with five-time guest Alise Chaffins about I Used to Be Funny, which was recently released on Netflix.
Content Warning
I Used to Be Funny covers topics of trauma, depression, sexual violence, and more. If you are the victim of sexual assault or rape, help is available to you at the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.
What's The Film About?
I Used to Be Funny follows standup comedian Sam Cowell (Rachel Sennott), an au pair struggling with PTSD, as she weighs the decision on whether or not to join the search for Brooke (Olga Petsa), who she used to nanny. This dark dramedy marks Ally Pankiw’s feature film debut, after directing notable episodes of Black Mirror and The Great, among others.
Chapters:
00:08 - Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:00 - Recommendations and Upcoming Releases
05:21 - Discussion on I Used to Be Funny
07:14 - Rachel Sennott's Performance
12:20 - Relationships and Relatability
23:49 - Cinematography and Music
36:07 - Dialogue and Pacing
37:06 - Timeline Confusion
38:05 - Critique of the B Plot
40:08 - Sam's Journey and Trauma
44:54 - Spoiler Warning
01:11:42 - Final Thoughts and Ratings
01:13:49 - Outro and Social Media Plugs
Recommendations and Links:
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.
Follow Alise on Facebook and Instagram. You can also subscribe to her Substack, MacGuffin or Meaning or watch her YouTube channel.
I Used to Be Funny - Netflix, Apple TV/Amazon/Fandango at Home, and Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray.
Alise's review of I Used to Be Funny - Link
Ted Lasso Relationship Guide by Alise Chaffins – Order Here
Alise's review of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Theatrical) - Link
Disclaimer (Apple TV+) – Link
Alise's review of Disclaimer - Link
Billy and Molly (Disney+/National Geographic) – Link
The Penguin (Max) – Link
Alise's review of The Penguin - Link
Join my Discord server here.
If you want to become a Patron, head to Patreon.com/AustinBMedia or AustinB.Media/support for more information.
Until next time!
