Director: Theodore Melfi
By Alex Watson
Bill Murray is undoubtedly a favourite of many movie lovers and it is always easy to see why! His easy going charm and natural comedic talents succeed in raising potentially unlike-able characters to a level that is hilarious. After winning over audiences at TIFF (where it gained runner up in the People's Choice Award), his latest film, St Vincent could well see him turn on his finest performances in years gone by. Prepare for immense cursing, drinking and visits from a 'Lady of the Night'.
Vincent MacKenna (Bill Murray) is a broke, foul mouthed, gambling, heavy drinking old man who hates everything and everyone around him (a compliment that is swiftly repaid). But when his new neighbour Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) moves in, he is forced to bond with her shy young son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Together the pair begin to change to each other in different ways, but not all them good ones.
St Vincent is certain to delight lovers of Bill Murray cinema, because first time writer- director Theodore Melfi's film is a wonderfully unorthodox and shocking laugh fest which is impossible to dislike. The most impressive quality to this film, is just how lovable Vincent is even in spite of his numerous flaws. From the moment we meet him, he drunkenly runs over his own fence, then moments later he falls over and passes out. The next day he then hilariously accuses his newly arrived neighbour of doing the deed!
There is no doubt over what a bad influence Vincent is on all who meet him. Maggie reluctantly leaves her son Oliver in his care despite her major concerns. His idea of bonding constitutes going to horse races and him meeting Russian hooker Daka (Naomi Watts). But in the fact of what could have been a scaring encounter, Vincent begins teaching Oliver life lessons that broaden his character and make him a tougher person. When asked to do a school project about Saints- he begins learn that Saints do live among us in the world, just sometimes you have to look beyond the layers of rubble!
But unusually for a first time film maker, Theodore Melfi brings a highly accomplished feel to St Vincent. Alongside the laughs is a dominant emotional core as Vincent's true life intentions are revealed. Throughout, this man is at other end of the financial spectrum and is always hustling to make bucks wherever he can! However, witnessing him care for his sick wife strikes a cord hard and suddenly his money making schemes become less dubious. At heart Vincent is a good man with honest intentions, he is just to lost inside himself to notice.
Only Bill Murray could have played Vincent and he effortlessly brings this cantankerous old man to life! Melfi has written the character that Murray fans have been waiting for and thanks to his physical comedy, he reminds just how funny he can be. He may notoriously selective and is known for not being the easiest star to reach- but when Bill believes in your project then he will give things his all and it shows in his performance here.
Jaeden Lieberher makes for a great new star and alongside Murray, the pair share a great chemistry that makes the film tick. His character throughout is one that is drawn to the risk that Vincent poses and Lieberher raises his game in the films latter stages to give a performance that rivals Murray's. Melissa McCarthy is given an almost straight role by her standards but impressives nonetheless in the less wacky role. Her worried face throughout is rightly justified and you can't help but share her fears over what will come next?
St Vincent is one the most original yet heart tugging comedies of this year and Bill Murray fans will no doubt go away feeling delighted. The man may not always grace our screens, but we are always delighted when he does!
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