Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story is a biography about the comedian, who turns her mental health journey into material that’s both funny and inspiring. The project was co-directed by Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley, who trace Bamford's path to comedy - from her childhood in Duluth, MN, to discovering stand-up in college and finding fame in Los Angeles. The film balances Bamford’s comedic voice with a thoughtful exploration of her mental-health journey and her relationships.
Photo (L-R): Marilyn, Maria and Joel Bamford
In addition to co-directing, Neil Berkeley also served as cinematographer on the project, and says it was co-director Apatow who had the original idea.
"He had seen my movies and wanted to find something to make together, so one night he called me to talk about Maria," Berkeley recalls. "I had been a fan of her stand up and a huge fan of Lady Dynamite, so I was definitely interested. The next thing he said was, 'Well, let’s go over to her house - and bring your camera. We’ll just start.' And that’s what we did. We went to her house the next day and started making the movie."
Berkeley captured original footage using a Canon camera.
"While I do shoot most of my work, including interviews, I always give myself cinematography credit," he explains. "I think DP involves a level of skill and knowledge that I’m still trying to achieve. I do think I have decent abilities with verite, and have captured some incredible moments over my career because I was listening and looking for the story. Some have described my work as intimate. I think being behind the lens, and in a way that doesn’t feel overproduced, adds to the comfort subjects have with me. Hopefully that’s what they’re describing."
He points to a particular scene that he's very fond of in which Maria's father is describing an invention he made to help with night terrors.
"It’s not the most beautiful shot, but I’m proud of myself for holding as long as I did on the two-shot," Berkeley shares. "Seeing her stare blankly at him as he describes what he’s created is hilarious."
Austin Wilkin served as archival producer on the project, which was edited by James Leche. Zachariah Daly assisted with the edit.