It feels right and even expected that Tina Fey and Jason Bateman would play siblings in a dysfunctional family, but “This is Where I Leave You” challenges both actors to unexpected character developments. As Wendy and Judd Altman, Fey and Bateman are harried, long-suffering folks who come together after their father's death to sit shiva alongside their garrulous siblings (Corey Stoll and Adam Driver) and their candid, commanding mother (Jane Fonda).
We asked both actors to open up about their acting challenges in this film, the weirdness of having a monumental superstar play your mother, and the kinds of things they find unfunny.
“This is Where I Leave You” opens September 19.