You wouldn’t think Paul Rudd’s résumé would qualify him to pull off playing a ruthlessly competitive corporate suit in a movie like Dinner for Schmucks. But ever since he had to figure out funny schemes as a kid to grab the spotlight from his baby sister, Rudd has been open to an array of roles. The goofy straight man, who’s tried out everything from doing the poet Shelley on stage and an unaccredited John Lennon in The Dewey Cox Story to a DJ at Bar Mitzvahs before his career actually took off, stopped by to talk, vulture metabolism issues, his gift as a tongue twister and what director Jay Roach brings to the table.
Q: Is there any talents you possess that could get you into a hypothetical dinners for schmucks?
PAUL RUDD: I can do this with my tongue [curls his tongue].
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Q: And how was the experience of speaking into a woman’s crotch?
PR: Speaking into a woman’s crotch? You’re asking me? I’d rather not get into the details! OK, I was very nervous and uncomfortable. But Lucy [Punch] was like, “No, it’s fine!”
Q: Do you think people will be offended by word “schmucks” in the movie title?
PR: Well, go right to the Jew. No, my grandfather used called me schmuck all the time. But you’re thinking penis, right? Is that what you’re looking for? I remember growing up and going, “Putz is such a funny word.” I would say, “Oh don’t be a putz.” And I remember my dad saying, “Well you know, putz is actually a penis.” And what’s up by the way, with all the words for penis? But it always took on, I think, a kind of general, “Oh, you’re being an idiot.” Or, “You’re being stupid.” Whatever it is. “Quit acting like a schmuck.” So it was strange, being Jewish. And I know that there are some people who might take offense to the fact that it’s Dinner for Schmucks. But it wouldn’t even cross my mind.
Q: What about the dinner part, what’s that all about?
PR: I have an opportunity to join the ranks, to go up to the higher floor, and the idea is that there is this secret dinner that the main guy holds, so I’ve been invited. My girlfriend thinks it’s disgusting, and I don’t disagree with her.
