The line for the SXSW work-in-progress world premiere of director Judd Apatow’s latest comedy, Trainwreck, turned Congress Ave. and the surrounding streets into a mass of humanity waiting and hoping to get a seat inside the Paramount Theatre on Sunday night.
The walking disaster in heels the film’s title alludes to is played by comedian and Comedy Central star Amy Schumer: she of the fun, flirty, and outspokenly promiscuous disposition who has made a successful career out of dishing on her “eventful” sex life. Until last night, audiences had never seen Schumer predominate the silver screen; although Apatow’s at the helm behind the camera, it’s Schumer’s script and her favorable acting chops that steer the ship.
Those who got into the Paramount last night had their patience rewarded with a barrage of belly laughs and a brief Q&A with Apatow and Schumer afterwards. Apatow said that he first thought of Schumer as someone he could possibly work with when he heard her on The Howard Stern Show: “I sat there in the parking lot listening to the whole thing because I didn’t want to miss it. I thought she had stories to tell.”
Schumer took a moment to shout out her sister, Kim Caramele, who co-produced: “This is super-lame, but this is a personal story for me – and just getting to do it with my sister there every step of the way [was the most fun].”
Comedian and sketch stud Bill Hader – who co-stars in the film as Schumer’s atypical love interest – was also on hand and could be heard telling fans in the foyer to “Please like the film!”
As it turned out, the crowd didn’t need much cajoling.
Trainwreck opens in theatres nationally on July 17. See red carpet photo gallery.
This article appears in March 13 • 2015.