Jason Segel goes full frontal as latest Apatow comedy star

LOS ANGELES — From Ernest Borgnine in "Marty" to Jon Favreau in "Swingers," Hollywood has long portrayed sensitive men humbled at the feet of cold-hearted women.

But never has a guy been put down quite like Jason Segel in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." In his breakout role, Segel reveals his knack for a raw vulnerability that would be depressing if it wasn't so funny. And "reveals" is the operative word.

In the opening scenes, Segel's character misinterprets the reason for his girlfriend's urgent visit. Instead of a roll in the hay — and he has completely disrobed in preparation — Sarah Marshall has come to dump him.

Utterly distraught, he doesn't cover up for Marshall (Kristen Bell) — or for the camera. In several full frontal shots, Segel completely bares himself.

The R-rated gag is already the most-talked about scene in the film. It's culled from an experience the 28-year-old Segel — who wrote "Sarah Marshall" — had several years ago. He says it's presented "almost verbatim" in the movie.

"This naked breakup commenced and, honest to God — maybe this is part of the problem — all I kept thinking was, 'This is ... hilarious,'" Segel said.

After a few small film roles, Segel's career began in earnest when Judd Apatow cast him in "Freaks and Geeks," the revered high school comedy that was canceled in 2000 after one season.

In addition to co-starring on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother," Segel has had parts in other Aptow projects, including "Undeclared" and "Knocked Up."

But "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is his breakout role. It's received strong reviews and been heavily promoted by the studio.

And Segel doesn't expect to run out of real-life material for future films. "I'm filled with horribly awkward moments," he said. "It's probably why I don't sleep very well."