Despite the fact that he is regarded as one of the most influential comedic actors of all time, Bill Murray is often much stronger with dramatic material than he is given credit for. Although he has always been able to weave in more serious moments within his comedic films, such as Groundhog Day and Scrooged, Murray has taken on multiple roles that are exclusively dramatic, including Lost in Translation, Broken Flowers, and Hyde Park on Hudson, which showed his capabilities. While many comedic actors take on darker roles in an attempt to challenge the image that is associated with them, Murray’s success is that he has always been completely honest. The coming-of-age dramedy St. Vincent features one of Murray’s deepest performances because he was able to show an older, reflective character in the midst of an existential crisis.
What Is ‘St. Vincent’ About?

Murray stars in St. Vincent as the elderly Vietnam War veteran Vincent MacKenna, who has begun to develop substance abuse issues as he lives a life of complete loneliness. His wife, Sandy (Donna Mitchell), has advanced Alzheimer’s and is unable to recognize him. Although Vincent has a few friends outside of New York City that he occasionally connects with, he becomes disturbed when the radiology technician Maggie Bronstein (Melissa McCarthy) moves in next door to him with her son, Oliver (Jaeden Martell). While Vincent claims that he wants to be left alone, he begins to feel sympathy for Oliver, who is bullied at school and the subject of a nasty divorce case. As the two begin to spend more time with each other, Oliver begins to realize that Vincent is a war hero who has never been recognized for the service he committed to his country, and tries to get him to come out of his reclusive shell.
St. Vincent is able to take a deeper look at a familiar premise by fleshing out each of the characters in detail. While it would have been easy for Vincent to be yet another one of Murray’s cranky, sarcastic characters, the film establishes that he has developed this attitude after significant tragedies in his life. Although he once had many friends and was considered to be an active part of the community, Vincent became cynical about the world after being unable to spend time with his wife. A potentially problematic storyline emerges when Vincent initiates an ongoing relationship with the Russian sex worker Daka (Naomi Watts), who is struggling with her own financial burdens. It is to the film’s credit that it does not judge either of the characters. Vincent proves to be capable of recognizing his own faults, and Daka ends up having complete autonomy over how she spends her time.

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‘St. Vincent’ Is One of Bill Murray’s Most Reflective Performances

St. Vincent has humor that is specific to the characters and does not rely on inherently comedic situations, which helps it feel more realistic. A significant portion of the film involves Oliver spending time with Vincent, who gives him practical advice on how to grow up and care for his family. This information is obviously important to Oliver, as he does not have a close relationship with his father, and has struggled to connect with the other children in his class. Despite the fact that Vincent seems to enjoy complaining about having to be a “babysitter,” it is evident that he enjoys the fact that he is needed. One of the main reasons that Vincent has felt so lost is that, without a country to serve or a wife to love, he has felt that he does not have a purpose.
Murray does a great job at characterizing Vincent’s mental health issues, as the film examines how challenging it can be to break out of a depressive cycle. While the film shows the merits of being involved in activities, as Vincent’s connection with Oliver leads him to reconnect with old friends, it does not imply that there is a “cure” for depression, as it is simply something that he will have to live with. Although Murray has never failed to do surprising work, even his biggest fans may have been surprised to see that he was capable of such a moving, emotionally articulate performance.

St. Vincent

Release Date

October 24, 2014

Runtime

103minutes

Director

Theodore Melfi

Writers

Theodore Melfi