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Theodore Melfi: St. Vincent

October 31, 2014

A DGA Q&A in Los Angeles

A misanthropic, hedonistic war veteran becomes the unlikely friend and mentor to a young boy in Director Theodore Melfi’s new comedy, St. Vincent.

In the film, a single mother (Melissa McCarthy) moves into a new home with her 12-year old son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she reluctantly leaves Oliver in the questionable care of their new neighbor Vincent (Bill Murray), a retired curmudgeon who seems to only love drinking, gambling and going to strip clubs. As an odd friendship blossoms between the improbable pair, Vincent helps Oliver grow to become a man and Oliver is able to see Vincent for what he truly is, a misunderstood man with a good heart.

Following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles on October 30, Melfi spoke about the making of St. Vincent in a conversation moderated by Director Donald Petrie (My Life in Ruins).

In addition to St. Vincent, Melfi’s filmography includes the feature film Winding Roads and the shorts I Want Candy, Roshambo, The Beneficiary and The Story of Bob. He has been a DGA member since 2005.

Pictures & Video

photos by Shane Karns, print courtesy of The Weinstein Company

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Watch Highlight
FULL TALK (27:00): Director Theodore Melfi talks about his new film, St. Vincent, with Donald Petrie.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Melfi describes the rehearsals he put Jaeden Lieberher through, and how he allowed Lieberher's relationship with Bill Murray to develop naturally on set.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Originally planning a complicated shot for the closing credits, Melfi instead chose to simplify, and let the camera capture a long improvisation from Bill Murray.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Melfi discusses the difficult process of casting his child lead, and how he found ten-year-old Jaeden Liberher after 1,600 auditions.
Bill Murray and Jaeden Lieberher in Theodore Melfi’s St. Vincent. - Photo by Atsushi Nishijima - © 2014 The Weinstein Company
Director Theodore Melfi speaks about the making of St. Vincent following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.
Director Theodore Melfi speaks about the making of St. Vincent with Director Donald Petrie (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.
Director Donald Petrie (moderator) asks Theodore Melfi a question about the making of St. Vincent.
The DGA Los Angeles Theater audience hears about the making of Director Theodore Melfi’s St. Vincent.
Director Theodore Melfi chats with an audience member following the DGA membership screening of St. Vincent in Los Angeles.
Directors Donald Petrie (moderator) and Theodore Melfi pose for a photo following the post screening Q&A about Melfi’s St. Vincent.

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