Hal

Name: Hal
Genre: Biography, Documentary
Released: September 7, 2018
Duration: 90 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Allison Anders, Beau Bridges, Caleb Deschanel, Hal Ashby, Jane Fonda

2018

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Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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Hal

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Movie Details & Credits

Oscilloscope | Release Date: September 7, 2018 | Not Rated

Starring: Allison Anders, Beau Bridges, Caleb Deschanel, Hal Ashby, Jane Fonda, Jeff Bridges, Judd Apatow, Lisa Cholodenko, Pablo Ferro, Rosanna Arquette

Summary: Although Hal Ashby directed a remarkable string of acclaimed, widely admired classics throughout the 1970s, he is often overlooked amid the crowd of luminaries from his generation. Amy Scott’s exuberant portrait explores that curious oversight, using rare archival materials, interviews, personal letters, and audio recordings to reveal aAlthough Hal Ashby directed a remarkable string of acclaimed, widely admired classics throughout the 1970s, he is often overlooked amid the crowd of luminaries from his generation. Amy Scott’s exuberant portrait explores that curious oversight, using rare archival materials, interviews, personal letters, and audio recordings to reveal a passionate, obsessive artist. Ashby was a Hollywood director who constantly clashed with Hollywood, but also a unique soul with an unprecedented insight into the human condition and an unmatched capacity for good. His films were an elusive blend of honesty, irreverence, humor, and humanity. Through the heartrending and inspiring Hal, you feel buoyed by Ashby’s love of people and of cinema, a little like walking on water. … Expand

Director: Amy Scott

Genre(s): Biography, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 90 min

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Critic Reviews

RogerEbert.com Nell Minow

Sep 7, 2018

The greatest tribute to this tribute to Ashby is that this movie will add “Shampoo,” “Coming Home,” “Harold and Maude,” “The Last Detail,” “Being There,” and his other films to at lot of watch lists and Netflix queues. Read full review

Chris Nashawaty

Sep 6, 2018

Hal gives us a lot to take in, whether you’re an aficionado or new to Ashby’s work. Scott has done movie fans a real service. She’s finally given an under-sung filmmaking giant his well-deserved close-up at long last. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

Sep 13, 2018

Hal deals with each of the director's films in a smart, engaging manner. As befits a former editor, director Scott has an ear for the great quote and the skill to make it all flow beautifully, to both entertain and help us understand who Ashby was and what he wanted to do. Read full review

Robert Abele

Sep 5, 2018

Hal entertainingly reminds us, his influence as a righteous, challenging, humanist chronicler of mortal foibles — and as a filmmaker on a quest for a greater understanding of our world — remains a force among today’s more conscientious directors. Read full review

David Noh

Sep 6, 2018

Amy Scott’s affectionate and smart documentary sheds light on an artist obsessed with addressing the injustice and intolerance in this country, but who himself could be the most problematic of men. Read full review

Brian Thompson

Sep 6, 2018

Hal is a loving tribute to a filmmaker who rarely gets the attention he deserves. Read full review

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky

Sep 4, 2018

Though clearly aimed at fans, it presents only a chummy overview of his life and career, too superficial to work as a biography, an in-depth appreciation, or even a primer. Read full review

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