Why Bill Murray Was Perfect for “Charismatic, yet Problematic” The Friend Role

by


Choosing Bill Murray for a role is seldom an undramatic decision. He consistently adds more than one character to every setting – a blend of dry humor, endearing charisma, and quiet authority. For the movie “The Friend,” based on Sigrid Nunez’s book, directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel selected Murray to portray Walter, a somewhat contentious, womanizing, unpredictable old-school author and teacher. The task was locating an actor who could measure up to such a presence – someone whose absence could still be felt, and someone whom the audience would adore despite his well-known escapades.

As a film enthusiast, I recently chatted with ComicBook about “The Friend,” and when asked about Bill Murray’s impact on the role, the filmmakers succinctly replied, “Bill Murray brought Bill Murray.” Despite having minimal screen time in this movie, Murray’s presence is profoundly felt within the narrative and its characters. His ghostly influence looms over the emotional journey. To effectively convey this, the actor had to possess a powerful, lingering presence – someone who stays etched in your mind long after they leave the scene. As the directors explained, they needed his “gravitas” as much as his knack for being both “funny” and “agile.

Bill has a knack for captivating audiences without much effort. As soon as he enters, the room’s ambiance subtly changes. When faced with his least preferred interview question regarding preparation for any role, he humorously admits that he requires “very very little.” This is demonstrated by the fact that you would choose him specifically for the part because of his innate ability to leave a lasting impact both on and off the set. Murray’s talent for making an impression seamlessly makes him an ideal candidate for the crucial role.

His talent for delivering the unexpected, both on-screen and off-, such as spontaneous improvisations, insightful comments in interviews, or even subtle facial expressions like a quick eyebrow raise and lip twitch, keeps people guessing, and this unpredictability was crucial in bringing Walter’s intricate character to life. Much like Sofia Coppola found him an enigma, appearing whenever expected but always delivering something extraordinary, McGehee and Siegel probably recognized that working with him meant welcoming a mix of chaos and genius.

Naomi Watts, who acted alongside Murray in the movie “The Friend“, chuckled when asked about the central Great Dane in the film being a reflection of her complex relationship with Walter’s character. She responded, “I often thought of Bill and his character, and perhaps there was a bit of Bill in it too.

Bill Murray is both a challenge and a treasure in the movie “The Friend”. His character, Walter, is not just acted out by him, but embodied, making him more than an actor. He brings charisma, unpredictability, and a unique originality to the role, blending seamlessly with it. This fusion of charm and complexity perfectly suits Murray for this part. In casting Murray, the directors didn’t just get an actor, but the distinctive personality that Murray embodies, which breathes life into Walter.

Read More

2025-05-04 23:46