When one looks at Paul Weitz's career now it's hard to believe this is the guy who gave us American Pie back in 1999. Back then he was partnering up with his brother, Chris, and the two have worked together frequently. Paul's career has seen a number of highlights, from About a Boy to In Good Company, but perhaps his greatest achievement is Grandma, a film he wrote specifically for the great Lily Tomlin.
Weitz had worked with Tomlin in the Tina Fey comedy, Admission, but with Grandma he makes sure the spotlight is hers and hers alone. She plays a Elle, a lesbian poet with a surly attitude who must help her 19-year-old granddaughter (Julia Garner) find the money to get an abortion. The film debuted at Sundance earlier this year to rave reviews, not only for Tomlin's performance but for Weitz's work, as well.
I had a chance to speak with Weitz about working with Tomlin, who he clearly has an adoration for (and who doesn't?), his process for writing female characters, and much more. You can listen to the interview below, and check out my review of Grandma here.
