Interview by Peter M. Bracke
February 14, 2001

Hmmm, let's see. You want to ask for the hand in marriage of the girl you love, but there's only one problem. You have to ask for permission from her father first. And her father just happens to be Robert DeNiro...uh, oh!

While such a situation might seem like it couldn't be anything but terrifying, in the hands of Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller, it can only mean one thing...big laughs. Released on March 6 by Universal Studios Home Video, the Meet The Parents DVD comes loaded with extra goodies, including commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and a look behind-the-scenes. (Read review) The film also marks another success for filmmaker Jay Roach, who has quickly ascended the ranks in Hollywood and become one of the hottest comedy directors in the industry.

Beginning his career at the USC School Of Cinema-Television, Roach spent nearly ten years working as a cinematographer and editor in television and film. After his first feature, the hit Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (which also helped solidify comedian Mike Myers as a major motion picture star), Roach went on to direct David E. Kelley's comedy-drama Mystery, Alaska, the blockbuster Austin Powers sequel The Spy Who Shagged Me, and, of course, Meet The Parents.

We had the opportunity to chat with Roach recently to discuss the success of the film, the upcoming DVD and his approach to filmmaking. From meeting Robert DeNiro to shoving Ben Stiller into a closet, he was unusually humble, forthright and funny...