In her debut feature "I Used to Be Funny", filmmaker Ally Pankiw dwells on the complicated life of a comedian. Sam (played by Rachel Sennott) is introduced in a state of emotional turmoil, distanced from her comedy club and reliant on her friends Paige (Sabrina Jalees) and Philip (Caleb Hearon) to cover her rent. Through a series of flashbacks and conversations, the root cause of her upheaval is revealed. Sam was once an au pair to troubled teen Brooke (Olga Petsa), and was very close to her in a sisterly way, but something has caused this relationship and her sense of humor to dwindle.
Pankiw intricately designs the story to oscillate between Sam's present state of anguish and her past joyous, humorous self. An unspoken event has led to a split not only in timelines, but also in Sam's rapport with Brooke, making their previous moments of camaraderie appear immensely valuable in retrospect. Pankiw's narrative extends beyond just portraying a comedian babysitter and her young, troubled ward. It evolves into mapping trauma's impact on creativity and interpersonal connections.
The trauma becomes an omnipresent entity in Sam's life, marking its significance both visibly and subtly. The friends and loved ones are unintentionally affected due to the distressing experience. Pankiw goes on to illustrate how Sam's own jokes become ammunition against her in a courtroom. Sam's battle to maintain her relationships, comedic persona, and to regain control of her own narrative underscores the continued relevance of the #MeToo movement.
Rachel Sennott takes on two vastly different versions of the same character – one before and one after the fateful event, one vibrant, the other filled with despair. Despite the stark contrast, Sennott skillfully brings both versions to life, proving her dramatic prowess in addition to her comedic flair.
"I Used to Be Funny" is a compelling exploration of how trauma can shape and affect a person's creativity and relationships. It navigates the complexities of consent and interpersonal dynamics in a sensitive manner, while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit as it fights to find laughter in the face of adversity.
