The new documentary, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story, which premiered at Sundance, stands out because of its genuine interest in understanding its subject. Director Judd Apatow didn’t seem to approach the film with a pre-determined narrative; instead, he appears truly perplexed and fascinated by Bamford. She’s achieved a surprising amount of mainstream success – through voice acting, memorable commercials, and her Netflix series Lady Dynamite, among other projects – despite her unique comedic style. Her humor is often uncomfortable and deeply personal, as she openly discusses her mental health struggles, breakdowns, suicide attempts, and difficult family relationships – things many other comedians only hint at. As Conan O’Brien explains in the film, “Most comedians will tell you they have anxieties, and you assume it’s part of the act. Maria is like a lobster without a shell.” Bamford herself captures her approach, saying, while getting a prescription for tremors caused by her medication, “Weakness is the brand.”
