Jonathan Tropper has a knack for creating male characters who are realistically flawed and relatable. His stories resonate because he writes about men who are like our friends, brothers, or fathers – or even ourselves. Casting Jason Bateman, known for playing characters grappling with arrested development, in the movie adaptation of Tropper’s novel, This Is Where I Leave You, was a stroke of genius. Bateman embodies the frustrated man perfectly.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion featuring Tropper, director Shawn Levy, Jason Bateman, and the brilliant Tina Fey, where they discussed their upcoming movie, This Is Where I Leave You. We were even treated to a preview of the film. As a long-time admirer of Tropper’s nuanced and character-driven novels, I initially felt skeptical about a movie adaptation. However, after seeing the preview and hearing the team speak, any doubts I had completely vanished. This project is in capable hands.
One of the most reassuring aspects is that Tropper himself penned the screenplay. It’s rare for authors to successfully adapt their own books for the screen, but based on what was presented, he has truly captured the essence of This Is Where I Leave You. The panel format was insightful: Tropper would read excerpts from his novel, followed by a screening of the corresponding scene from the movie. The actors, director, and Tropper then discussed the adaptations and the reasoning behind any changes. It was evident that everyone involved was dedicated to preserving the heart of the book in the film. Director Shawn Levy emphasized this commitment, stating, “A lot of what I wanted to do was make the movie even more faithful to the book.”
Alt text: Mollie Hawkins, panel attendee at Book Expo America 2014, listening to discussion about “This Is Where I Leave You” movie.
The source material tackles heavy themes, yet it’s also infused with humor, a balance that the film appears to have struck perfectly. Tina Fey astutely pointed out, “Real life is never just serious.” The panel audience’s laughter during both the book readings and the movie clips underscored this comedic success. Tropper’s ability to weave humor into his prose is remarkable, and it translates seamlessly to the cinematic medium.
Tropper’s male protagonists often find themselves in challenging situations. Judd, the central figure in This Is Where I Leave You, is experiencing a particularly rough patch: his wife is having an affair with his boss, and his father unexpectedly passes away, leading to a family Shiva. Judd is certainly entitled to withdraw, but instead, he is thrust into an intense and often comical reunion with his dysfunctional family, whose bonds are strained and fractured. Tropper depicts this family dynamic with remarkable authenticity and depth. This is a family that has lost the ability to communicate, let alone coexist harmoniously. Watching them navigate this forced proximity is as awkward and emotionally resonant as any real-life family gathering.
Alt text: Carla Jean Whitley, attendee at Book Expo America 2014, observing preview of “This Is Where I Leave You” film adaptation.
The emotional truth of Tropper’s narrative, coupled with its humor, allows audiences to connect with the tragedy and heartbreak of rebuilding familial connections – mirroring the realities of family life. Jason Bateman captured the movie’s essence when he explained, “We never felt like we had to push for the funny or the laughs. We kind of played it for the reality of the feeling … [Tropper] creates these kind of emotionally vulnerable situations which is kind of the breeding ground for comedy anyway.”
Bateman summarized the movie’s appeal by noting its lack of superficial flashiness, unlike typical high-budget blockbusters. Instead, This Is Where I Leave You focuses on a compelling story, expertly told. “It’s the stuff we go to the movies for,” he concluded. Indeed, it’s the same kind of storytelling that draws us to books. The release of This Is Where I Leave You as a movie provides a wonderful opportunity for Tropper’s work to reach a wider audience, which it richly deserves. As Levy aptly stated, Tropper “writes about people and experiences that are relatable even though they’re specific.” Furthermore, the star-studded cast will undoubtedly boost the book’s visibility, simplifying recommendations for booksellers. Instead of lengthy enthusiastic descriptions, a simple, “Tina Fey likes it,” might just be the perfect selling point for many.
Alt text: Panel discussion at Book Expo America featuring Jonathan Tropper, Shawn Levy, Jason Bateman, and Tina Fey promoting “This Is Where I Leave You” movie.
