Trainwreck – Trainwreck: My Life as an Idoit (2007)

Directed by: Tod Harrison Williams | 95 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Seann William Scott, Gretchen Moll, Jeff Garlin, Susannah Bianchi

Some people have all the bad luck. Jeff Nichols is such a special case that you don’t know whether to laugh with him or cry for his life. The best man is schizophrenic, autistic, clumsy, self-centered and also a former alcoholic with fear of commitment. It can hardly be worse. So look at your own life and consider yourself lucky. That’s pretty much the message of ‘Trainwreck’. Seann William Scott plays Jeff Nichols in Trainwreck. As bizarre as it sounds, Nichols seems to be real and struggles with all kinds of problems every day. The man only seems to attract bad luck and nothing is spared him. One day he burns his stepfather’s house to the ground, while the next week he makes a date turn into hell on earth. In between, Nichols battles with all kinds of illnesses such as schizophrenia and alcoholism. The bright spot in the darkness is Lynn (Gretchen Moll), a young woman with a troubled past. Unfortunately for Nichols who falls head over heels for her, she is married to a wealthy businessman.

Although ‘Trainwreck’ doesn’t sound like a fun laugh, there’s plenty to laugh about in this tragicomedy. Scott, best known as the flat Stifler from the ‘American Pie’ saga, plays a beautiful role that surprisingly never goes over the top. Nichols remains human and is portrayed in a sensitive, honest way. Not as a loser, but as a warrior who bravely fights himself every day. Often clumsy, but always in good spirits. The optimism with which Scott portrays his character is endearing and compelling. Moll also plays a powerful role.

Director Tod Harrison Williams strikes a strong balance between drama and humor. There’s plenty to chuckle at Nichols’ odd antics, while vicarious shame and pity also beg for your attention. Still, ‘Trainwreck’ isn’t for everyone. The experiences of the main character are extreme and there is no end. You don’t get rest, because Nichols’ life is apparently so crammed with grotesque events that every day seems to end as a carnival party that has gotten out of hand. The film is just a little too long. Doesn’t detract from the fact that ‘Trainwreck’ has become a sensitive, sweet film with an unforgettable anti-hero in the lead.