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Jason Bateman: Bad Words

March 13, 2014

Director Q&A's in New York & Los Angeles

How far would you go to bend the rules to suit your own purposes? This premise forms the framework of Director Jason Bateman’s subversive comedy Bad Words.

The film also stars Bateman as Guy Trilby, a 40-year-old spelling bee loser who discovers a loophole in the rules of the Golden Quill national spelling bee and outrages contest officials, parents, and ambitious 8th graders by hijacking the competition and attempting to win as an adult.

Bateman spoke about the making of the film in a conversation with Director Ron Howard (Rush) after the DGA screening in New York on March 12. Bateman also participated in a Q&A with Director Jason Reitman (Labor Day) following the Los Angeles DGA screening of Bad Words on March 25.

Bad Words is Bateman’s feature length debut as a director. His other works include episodes of the television series Do Not Disturb, Arrested Development, For Your Love, Two of a Kind, Family Matters, and Valerie. He has been a member of the DGA since 1988.

Pictures & Video

photos by Donald Rasmussen/New York and Byron Gamarro/Los Angeles

 print courtesy of Screen Gems  

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FULL TALK (35:25): Directors Ron Howard and Jason Bateman discuss Bateman's first film, Bad Words, after a screening at the DGA in New York.
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FULL TALK (31:09): Director Jason Bateman talks about his new film, Bad Words, with Jason Reitman at the DGA in Los Angeles.
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HIGHLIGHT: Jason Bateman talks about what drew him to directing his first feature film.
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HIGHLIGHT: Bateman explains how his acting background informed his directorial approach to the cast of Bad Words.
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HIGHLIGHT: Jason Bateman recalls his approach to filming his first feature, Bad Words, while also acting in the lead role.
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HIGHLIGHT: Director Jason Bateman describes balancing comedy and drama in Bad Words, a film that challenges audiences in their tolerance for the main character's boorish behavior.
Jason Bateman in a scene from Bad Words. - photo by Sam Urdank - © 2013 - Focus Features
Director Jason Bateman speaks about the making of Bad Words following the DGA membership screening in New York.
Director Jason Bateman speaks about the making of Bad Words with Director Ron Howard (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in New York.
Director Ron Howard (moderator) asks Jason Bateman a question about the making of Bad Words.
Director Jason Bateman signs an Arrested Development DVD for an audience member following the DGA membership screening of Bad Words in New York.
Director Jason Bateman speaks about the making of Bad Words following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.
Director Jason Bateman speaks about the making of Bad Words with Director Jason Reitman (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.
Director Jason Reitman (moderator) asks Jason Bateman a question about the making of Bad Words.

Calendar

8/3/2025 - 8/9/2025

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