Interview:
Jason Bateman,
director, "Bad Words"
Jason Bateman makes his directorial debut with Bad Words, a black comedy that stars Bateman as vindictive 40-year-old spelling bee contestant Guy Trilby. He’s found a loophole in the rules of the Golden Quill spelling bee contest that allows him to compete against elementary school kids, much to the chagrin of their parents. The foulmouthed Guy, though, isn’t just out to win the grand prize—but his true motive for entering the contest remains a mystery to both ally and enemy. In Guy’s way stands 10-year-old Chaitanya Chopra (Lone Survivor’s Rohan Chand). As much as Chaitanya wants to win the Golden Quill, the socially awkward student really needs a friend. And he’s set his sights on turning Guy into his best bud.Bad Words also stars Kathryn Hahn as the online newspaper journalist covering Guy and Allison Janney as the disgruntled head of the Golden Quill contest who plots to take down Guy. Prior to Bad Words, Jason Bateman directed episodes ofValerie, Family Matters, For Your Love, and Arrested Development, the sitcom that revived Bateman’s career and turn him into a bankable film star. Written by Andrew Dodge, Bad Words opened March 21 in Austin after premiering locally during this year’s SXSW Film Festival. I was among several members of the media to talk with Bad Words star and director Jason Bateman following the Bad Words SXSW Film Festival screening.
Aired: March 20, 2014 Web site: http://www.focusfeatures.com/bad_words |
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