What To Expect From The Maria Bamford Documentary Screening

I've always loved the openness, quirkiness, honesty, and hilarity that Maria Bamford brings to her stand-up comedy. She really is something special and a different type of comedy. She can turn a life crisis into a hilarious stand-up routine. Like the time her psychologist googled her to figure out if she was really a comedian or if she was delusional. It turns out you can be both!

Maria Bamford: Stand-up Comedian Who Was Raised In Duluth

Bamford has always been open about her mental health struggles. Which is something that few comedians will highlight (or successfully highlight) in their comedy. Bamford, who was born and raised in Duluth, has a new documentary that just premiered at the MSP Film Society, and it's getting great reviews. The documentary is directed by Hollywood heavy-hitter Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley.

'Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story'

You'll know Judd Apatow's work from his relatable comedies like Knocked Up, This is 40, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and tons of other writing credits. He's both the director and producer of the documentary 'Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story.'

The documentary follows her journey from her childhood in Duluth to finding stand-up comedy in LA. It also chronicles her mental health struggles, which have been a source of her comedy in her career. She candidly talks about her experiences, including going to an inpatient treatment facility. How can something like that be funny? Only Maria Bamford can do that.

94% Critic Review On Rotten Tomatoes

The reviews are in, and the film is already getting 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are calling it a poignant, funny, intimate look into her life, filled with rich archival footage and interviews with those close to her.

Where To Watch

Currently Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story isn't streaming and is in limited theater release only. The good news is that she and her sister will be at the Duluth Playhouse for the Duluth Film Festival. The showing will be at 2:30 at the Duluth Depot, and is the grand finale of the festival on April 26th. Tickets for the festival are available online.