#683: ALTMAN, Robert: Nashville (1975)

ALTMAN, Robert (United States)

Nashville [1975]

Spine #683
Blu-ray

This cornerstone of 1970s American moviemaking from Robert Altman is a panoramic view of the country's political and cultural landscapes, set in the nation's music capital. Nashville weaves the stories of twenty-four characters — from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress — into a cinematic tapestry that is equal parts comedy, tragedy, and musical. Many members of the astonishing cast wrote their own songs and performed them live on location, which lends another layer to the film's quirky authenticity. Altman's ability to get to the heart of American life via its eccentric byways was never put to better use than in this grand, rollicking triumph, which barrels forward to an unforgettable conclusion.

160 minutes
Color

5.1 Surround

2:35:1 aspect ratio

Criterion Release 2013

Director/Writers

Written by Joan Tewkesbury.

Robert Altman was 50 when he directed Nashville.

Other Altman films in the Collection:

#827: McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
#230: 3 Women (1977)
#257: Secret Honor (1984)
#258: Tanner '88 (1988)

#812: The Player (1992)
#265: Short Cuts (1993)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell.

Commentary

Featuring director Altman.

Documentary

On the making of the film, featuring interviews with actors Blakley, Carradine, Murphy, Nicholls, and Tomlin, screenwriter Tewkesbury, assistant director Alan Rudolph; and Altman’s widow, Kathryn Reed Altman.

Three archival interviews

With Altman.

Behind-the-scenes footage

Demo

Of Carradine performing his songs from the film

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

99

By Director
By Spine #