The premiere last night of “St. Vincent” yielded several fun facts and observations: Bill Murray and Naomi Watts, both present, are on their way to Oscar nominations. Melissa McCarthy may be as well. “St.Vincent” plays like “Silver Linings Playbook.” It’s warm without being fuzzy, and funny-poignant without getting schmaltzy. The actors are top notch. Plus they play will others. In the post-screening Q&A, Bill Murray– wearing a sporty hat– proved to be effortlessly charming. He will have Academy lunchers eating out of his hand this winter.
Not many big name celebs, but a few were there: Watt’s actor husband, Liev Schreiber, famed Broadway and “Knots Landing” star Michele Lee, and the great songwriter-singer Valerie Simpson. Lee was overwhelmed by the movie, and even happier to meet Schreiber. “I’m obsessed with Ray Donovan. You’re perfect in it,” she cried. “And very sexy!” There was a brief bemoaning that Schreiber has not been able to do any theater since “Ray Donovan” took off. “I have to spend six months at a time in L.A.,” he said.
When the party at the Royalton finally wound down, Murray came bouncing out onto West 44th St. and into a black car, skipping a line of autograph hounds. A couple of beautiful women followed including Karen Duffy. Doors closed. Then Murray popped out of the car. “We’re missing someone!” he said to no one in particular and headed back inside. He re-emerged with two more beautiful blondes, loaded them into the car, and off they sped into the dark night.
