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Bill (film)
Encyclopedia
Meet Bill is a 2007 comedy film
written and directed by Bernie Goldmann and Melisa Wallick and starring Aaron Eckhart
as the titular character.
), an overweight, middle-aged man dissatisfied with himself and his life. He works at his father-in-law, Mr. Jacoby's (Holmes Osborne
) bank. But his job is meaningless with a made up title, and his in-laws don't take him seriously, especially his brother-in-law. Jacoby is a pillar in the community and is considering a mayoral run. Bill and Jess, his wife (Elizabeth Banks
) live in a house provided by her father and lead a comfortable lifestyle provided by him. Bill is trying to purchase a doughnut franchise with the Whitmans (Jason Sudeikis
& Kristin Wiig), a friendly married couple who own the franchise business. Bill's interest in purchasing a franchise is an attempt to wean himself and his wife off Jacoby's finances. At a public donation sponsored by his in-laws, Bill first meets "the Kid" (Logan Lerman
), a spunky and easygoing teenager, who is running from the school principal. In the hallway, after the principal suggests a school mentoring program, he sees his wife talking with Chip Johnson (Timothy Olyphant
), the local, pompous newscaster. Bill begins to get mildly suspicious, and meanwhile begins to "mentor" the Kid. Before a hunting trip with his in-laws and their pupils, he places a hidden camera in his and his wife's bedroom, and upon arrival discovers that his wife is having an affair with Chip. In a rage, he shows her the camera, and the two have an argument, bringing Jess to go to Chip and tell him about the tape, and Bill ends up beating him up. An online video later circulates of the tape and is passed around the staff at the bank, furthering Bill and Jess' embarrassment, particularly when Jess makes some offensive comments to Chip about Bill, their sex life and his penis size. Jess fears the video could ruin her father's chances for mayor and tries to conceal the news of her affair and the video from him.
Bill becomes well-known as Chip's "deranged fan", frequently having random people yell "Apologize!" at him throughout the film, a reference to him punching Chip and asking Chip to "Apologize!" while on the air. Bill begins to live with Sargeant (Craig Bierko
), his successful, healthy, gay younger brother. Sargeant's boyfriend Paul (Reed Diamond
) encourages Bill to take up swimming, an early pasttime of Bill's, which he starts to do to clear his mind. He continues mentoring the Kid, who senses the best in Bill, and devises a plan to win back Bill's wife. Introducing the lingerie salesgirl Lucy (Jessica Alba
), he makes it seem as if Lucy and Bill are romantically involved, a plot in order to get Jess jealous. Meanwhile, Bill is still trying to get a doughnut franchise, but since the presence of Jess is required, they have Lucy act as Bill's wife.
Bill slowly begins to get a hand on his life again, cutting his addiction to sweets, losing weight, swimming daily, mentoring the Kid, and trying to win back his wife. At a family dinner, Bill volunteers to buy the fireworks for the 'club picnic' where his father-in-law intends to announce that he is running for Mayor. After a party with the Kid, Lucy and her friend, Bill attends the picnic at the golf course. At the picnic, Bill gets close to his wife and Chip. Chip promptly has security throw Bill out of the picnic, which the Whitmans witness. Bill tells the kid to meet him at the back entrance, and while driving his car to the back of the golf course, he gets into an automobile accident, causing the fireworks to explode early. The Kid comes on a golfing cart, takes Bill to the hospital, where Jess shows up, and tells her husband that she's aware of his attempt to purchase the franchise. They end up discussing their marriage, which Bill finally reveals his unhappiness and their dependence on her father's money by stating "Our lives suck". After making vague decisions, Bill goes home and stares into a mirror. Seeing what his life has become, he cuts his hair (which he repeatedly says he despises throughout the film) and changes his wardrobe. He later visits Jacoby at his office and passes in his resignation, pointing out the obvious that he doesn't fit in with the company and he doesn't belong there, which his father-in-law understands and accepts his resignation. In a surprising out of character moment, Jacoby commends Bill for attacking Chip, given that he would've done the same if he were in that situation. Despite his daughter's attempt to conceal the news, it's implied that Jacoby knew about it long before, potentially when the online video circulates around the bank.
Bill goes to meet with the Whitmans and is surprised to see Jess, who is speaking as his wife to clear up their misunderstandings. Jess convinces them to let the couple buy the franchise. But during a private conversation, Bill reveals that he was going to call off the deal. But he has a change of heart and lets the purchase go through, with Jess keeping the business. They then reconcile their differences and mutually agree to go their separate ways, eventually putting their house up for sale.
The film ends with Bill coming to the Kid's school to say goodbye, as he's excited to start a new, unknown chapter in his life and move away. As he says goodbye with the promise to keep in touch, he tells the Kid to look in his locker. After doing so, his locker explodes with fireworks, much to the Kid's surprise and delight.
from June 11 - July 20, 2006; the school scenes of the film were shot at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School
(MICDS) and additional scenes were filmed at Washington University in St. Louis
. A scene was also shot at the Oberweis Dairy
in Oakville, Missouri
. Additionally, scenes were shot at the Dick's Sporting Goods
store at West County Mall, in Des Peres
, Missouri
. Additional scenes and interiors were shot at the Saint Louis Galleria in Richmond Heights, Missouri
, along with an exterior scene at Molly Brown's Fireworks in Pacific, Missouri. KPLR-TV
, a St. Louis television station, is the station that Chip Johnson works for, and movie co-anchor Rick Edlund is an anchor on the station in real life. Additionally, some scenes were shot at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country, Missouri. Although shot in the St. Louis area, the setting of the movie is Minnesota, as indicated by the license plates of vehicles, and a "Twin Cities Realty" for-sale sign.
Re-shoots and additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles, California, after major production had finished.
and was immediately picked up for distribution. It was released in limited engagement on April 4, 2008 in St. Louis and Minneapolis, with a wider release in 36 theaters on May 9, 2008.
Comedy film
Comedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
written and directed by Bernie Goldmann and Melisa Wallick and starring Aaron Eckhart
Aaron Eckhart
Aaron Edward Eckhart is an American film and stage actor. Born in California, he moved to England at the age of 13, when his father relocated the family. Several years later, he began his acting career by performing in school plays, before moving to Sydney, Australia, for his high school senior year...
as the titular character.
Plot
The story revolves around Bill (Aaron EckhartAaron Eckhart
Aaron Edward Eckhart is an American film and stage actor. Born in California, he moved to England at the age of 13, when his father relocated the family. Several years later, he began his acting career by performing in school plays, before moving to Sydney, Australia, for his high school senior year...
), an overweight, middle-aged man dissatisfied with himself and his life. He works at his father-in-law, Mr. Jacoby's (Holmes Osborne
Holmes Osborne
Holmes Osborne is an American actor, best known for starring in Richard Kelly's films - Donnie Darko , Southland Tales and The Box . He's also played the father of Guy Patterson in the movie That Thing You Do!, and starred in the movie Bring it On. He has made appearances in TV shows such as...
) bank. But his job is meaningless with a made up title, and his in-laws don't take him seriously, especially his brother-in-law. Jacoby is a pillar in the community and is considering a mayoral run. Bill and Jess, his wife (Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Maresal Mitchell , known professionally as Elizabeth Banks, is an American actress. Banks had her film debut in the low-budget independent film Surrender Dorothy...
) live in a house provided by her father and lead a comfortable lifestyle provided by him. Bill is trying to purchase a doughnut franchise with the Whitmans (Jason Sudeikis
Jason Sudeikis
Daniel Jason Sudeikis is an American actor and comedian currently starring as a cast member on Saturday Night Live.-Early life:Sudeikis was born Daniel Jason Sudeikis in Fairfax, Virginia, the son of Kathryn , a travel agent who was president of the American Society of Travel Agents, and Dan...
& Kristin Wiig), a friendly married couple who own the franchise business. Bill's interest in purchasing a franchise is an attempt to wean himself and his wife off Jacoby's finances. At a public donation sponsored by his in-laws, Bill first meets "the Kid" (Logan Lerman
Logan Lerman
Logan Wade Lerman is an American actor, known for playing the title role in the 2010 fantasy-adventure Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. He appeared in commercials in the mid 1990s, before starring in the series Jack & Bobby , and the movies The Butterfly Effect and Hoot...
), a spunky and easygoing teenager, who is running from the school principal. In the hallway, after the principal suggests a school mentoring program, he sees his wife talking with Chip Johnson (Timothy Olyphant
Timothy Olyphant
Timothy David Olyphant is an American actor whose notable roles in television drama series include Deadwood as Seth Bullock, Justified as Raylan Givens, The Office as Danny Cordray, and Damages as Wes Krulik...
), the local, pompous newscaster. Bill begins to get mildly suspicious, and meanwhile begins to "mentor" the Kid. Before a hunting trip with his in-laws and their pupils, he places a hidden camera in his and his wife's bedroom, and upon arrival discovers that his wife is having an affair with Chip. In a rage, he shows her the camera, and the two have an argument, bringing Jess to go to Chip and tell him about the tape, and Bill ends up beating him up. An online video later circulates of the tape and is passed around the staff at the bank, furthering Bill and Jess' embarrassment, particularly when Jess makes some offensive comments to Chip about Bill, their sex life and his penis size. Jess fears the video could ruin her father's chances for mayor and tries to conceal the news of her affair and the video from him.
Bill becomes well-known as Chip's "deranged fan", frequently having random people yell "Apologize!" at him throughout the film, a reference to him punching Chip and asking Chip to "Apologize!" while on the air. Bill begins to live with Sargeant (Craig Bierko
Craig Bierko
Craig Philip Bierko is an American actor and singer.-Early life:Bierko was born in Rye Brook, New York, the son of Pat and Rex Bierko, who ran a local community theatre. Bierko's mother was a Jewish convert to Roman Catholicism...
), his successful, healthy, gay younger brother. Sargeant's boyfriend Paul (Reed Diamond
Reed Diamond
Reed Edward Diamond is an American actor. He is best known for the role of Det. Mike Kellerman on Homicide: Life on the Street and the role of recurring character Laurence Dominic on Dollhouse...
) encourages Bill to take up swimming, an early pasttime of Bill's, which he starts to do to clear his mind. He continues mentoring the Kid, who senses the best in Bill, and devises a plan to win back Bill's wife. Introducing the lingerie salesgirl Lucy (Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba
Jessica Marie Alba is an American television and film actress. She began her television and movie appearances at age 13 in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack . Alba rose to prominence as the lead actress in the television series Dark Angel...
), he makes it seem as if Lucy and Bill are romantically involved, a plot in order to get Jess jealous. Meanwhile, Bill is still trying to get a doughnut franchise, but since the presence of Jess is required, they have Lucy act as Bill's wife.
Bill slowly begins to get a hand on his life again, cutting his addiction to sweets, losing weight, swimming daily, mentoring the Kid, and trying to win back his wife. At a family dinner, Bill volunteers to buy the fireworks for the 'club picnic' where his father-in-law intends to announce that he is running for Mayor. After a party with the Kid, Lucy and her friend, Bill attends the picnic at the golf course. At the picnic, Bill gets close to his wife and Chip. Chip promptly has security throw Bill out of the picnic, which the Whitmans witness. Bill tells the kid to meet him at the back entrance, and while driving his car to the back of the golf course, he gets into an automobile accident, causing the fireworks to explode early. The Kid comes on a golfing cart, takes Bill to the hospital, where Jess shows up, and tells her husband that she's aware of his attempt to purchase the franchise. They end up discussing their marriage, which Bill finally reveals his unhappiness and their dependence on her father's money by stating "Our lives suck". After making vague decisions, Bill goes home and stares into a mirror. Seeing what his life has become, he cuts his hair (which he repeatedly says he despises throughout the film) and changes his wardrobe. He later visits Jacoby at his office and passes in his resignation, pointing out the obvious that he doesn't fit in with the company and he doesn't belong there, which his father-in-law understands and accepts his resignation. In a surprising out of character moment, Jacoby commends Bill for attacking Chip, given that he would've done the same if he were in that situation. Despite his daughter's attempt to conceal the news, it's implied that Jacoby knew about it long before, potentially when the online video circulates around the bank.
Bill goes to meet with the Whitmans and is surprised to see Jess, who is speaking as his wife to clear up their misunderstandings. Jess convinces them to let the couple buy the franchise. But during a private conversation, Bill reveals that he was going to call off the deal. But he has a change of heart and lets the purchase go through, with Jess keeping the business. They then reconcile their differences and mutually agree to go their separate ways, eventually putting their house up for sale.
The film ends with Bill coming to the Kid's school to say goodbye, as he's excited to start a new, unknown chapter in his life and move away. As he says goodbye with the promise to keep in touch, he tells the Kid to look in his locker. After doing so, his locker explodes with fireworks, much to the Kid's surprise and delight.
Cast
- Aaron EckhartAaron EckhartAaron Edward Eckhart is an American film and stage actor. Born in California, he moved to England at the age of 13, when his father relocated the family. Several years later, he began his acting career by performing in school plays, before moving to Sydney, Australia, for his high school senior year...
as Bill Anderson - Logan LermanLogan LermanLogan Wade Lerman is an American actor, known for playing the title role in the 2010 fantasy-adventure Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. He appeared in commercials in the mid 1990s, before starring in the series Jack & Bobby , and the movies The Butterfly Effect and Hoot...
as The Kid - Jessica AlbaJessica AlbaJessica Marie Alba is an American television and film actress. She began her television and movie appearances at age 13 in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack . Alba rose to prominence as the lead actress in the television series Dark Angel...
as Lucy - Elizabeth BanksElizabeth BanksElizabeth Maresal Mitchell , known professionally as Elizabeth Banks, is an American actress. Banks had her film debut in the low-budget independent film Surrender Dorothy...
as Jess - Timothy OlyphantTimothy OlyphantTimothy David Olyphant is an American actor whose notable roles in television drama series include Deadwood as Seth Bullock, Justified as Raylan Givens, The Office as Danny Cordray, and Damages as Wes Krulik...
as Chip - Craig BierkoCraig BierkoCraig Philip Bierko is an American actor and singer.-Early life:Bierko was born in Rye Brook, New York, the son of Pat and Rex Bierko, who ran a local community theatre. Bierko's mother was a Jewish convert to Roman Catholicism...
as Sergeant (uncredited) - Reed DiamondReed DiamondReed Edward Diamond is an American actor. He is best known for the role of Det. Mike Kellerman on Homicide: Life on the Street and the role of recurring character Laurence Dominic on Dollhouse...
as Paul - Marisa Coughlan as Laura
- Kristen WiigKristen WiigKristen Carroll Wiig is an American film and television actress who currently appears as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Wiig was a member of improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings, and has appeared in several films and television series, including Bridesmaids, MacGruber, Flight of...
as Jane Whitman - Jason SudeikisJason SudeikisDaniel Jason Sudeikis is an American actor and comedian currently starring as a cast member on Saturday Night Live.-Early life:Sudeikis was born Daniel Jason Sudeikis in Fairfax, Virginia, the son of Kathryn , a travel agent who was president of the American Society of Travel Agents, and Dan...
as Jim Whitman - Andy Zou as Donald Choo
- Brian SchmidtBrian SchmidtBrian L. Schmidt is a music composer for various video games and pinball games. He began in the video game music and sound industry in 1987 as a composer/sound designer and programmer for Williams Electronic Games in Chicago writing music and creating sound effects for pinball machines and coin...
as Jimmy (uncredited)
Recasting
- Lindsay LohanLindsay LohanLindsay Lohan is an American actress, pop singer and model. She began her career as a child fashion model before making her motion picture debut in Disney's 1998 remake of The Parent Trap at the age of 11...
was originally cast as "Lucy", but was replaced by Jessica AlbaJessica AlbaJessica Marie Alba is an American television and film actress. She began her television and movie appearances at age 13 in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack . Alba rose to prominence as the lead actress in the television series Dark Angel...
when no final deal was brokered. - Amanda PeetAmanda PeetAmanda Peet is an American actress, who has appeared on film, stage, and television. After studying with Uta Hagen at Columbia University, Peet began her career in television commercials, and progressed to small roles on television, before making her film debut in 1995...
was also going to star in the film as well, but dropped out around the same time that Lohan did. Peet was replaced by Elizabeth BanksElizabeth BanksElizabeth Maresal Mitchell , known professionally as Elizabeth Banks, is an American actress. Banks had her film debut in the low-budget independent film Surrender Dorothy...
.
Production
The film was shot in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
from June 11 - July 20, 2006; the school scenes of the film were shot at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School
Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School or "MICDS" is a secular, co-educational, private school for about 1,200 students in grades Junior Kindergarten through 12, separated into three different sections: JK-4th grade , 5th-8th grade , and 9th-12th grade . Its 100 acre campus is located...
(MICDS) and additional scenes were filmed at Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university located in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1853, and named for George Washington, the university has students and faculty from all fifty U.S. states and more than 110 nations...
. A scene was also shot at the Oberweis Dairy
Oberweis Dairy
Oberweis Dairy, headquartered in North Aurora, Illinois, is the parent company of several dairy-related operations in the midwest region of the United States...
in Oakville, Missouri
Oakville, Missouri
Oakville is a census-designated place in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 36,143 at the 2010 census. Oakville is south of the city of St. Louis and borders the Mississippi and Meramec rivers; the area is part of "South County" .-Geography:Oakville is located at...
. Additionally, scenes were shot at the Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. , or Dick's, is a Fortune 500 American corporation in the sporting goods and retail industries.The company's headquarters are on the grounds of Pittsburgh International Airport in Findlay Township near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dick's has 451 stores in 42 states as of...
store at West County Mall, in Des Peres
Des Peres, Missouri
Des Peres is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 8,373 at the 2010 census.-History:The first inhabitants of Des Peres were the Cahokia, the Kaskaskia, the Michigamea, the Moingwena, and the Tamaora Native American tribes....
, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
. Additional scenes and interiors were shot at the Saint Louis Galleria in Richmond Heights, Missouri
Richmond Heights, Missouri
Richmond Heights, a city in St. Louis County, is an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. The population was 8,603 at the 2010 census. According to Robert L. Ramsay, the name was suggested by Robert E. Lee, who thought the topography of the area resembled Richmond, Virginia...
, along with an exterior scene at Molly Brown's Fireworks in Pacific, Missouri. KPLR-TV
KPLR-TV
KPLR-TV, channel 11, is a television station in St. Louis, Missouri. KPLR is owned by the Tribune Company, and is an affiliate of The CW Television Network. The station's studios are located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in Northwest St. Louis County KPLR-TV, channel 11, is a television station...
, a St. Louis television station, is the station that Chip Johnson works for, and movie co-anchor Rick Edlund is an anchor on the station in real life. Additionally, some scenes were shot at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country, Missouri. Although shot in the St. Louis area, the setting of the movie is Minnesota, as indicated by the license plates of vehicles, and a "Twin Cities Realty" for-sale sign.
Re-shoots and additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles, California, after major production had finished.
Premiere
The film officially premiered on September 8, 2007 at the Toronto International Film FestivalToronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is a publicly-attended film festival held each September in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, 339 films from 59 countries were screened at 32 screens in downtown Toronto venues...
and was immediately picked up for distribution. It was released in limited engagement on April 4, 2008 in St. Louis and Minneapolis, with a wider release in 36 theaters on May 9, 2008.