Although Hal Ashby directed a remarkable string of accIaimed, widely admired classics throughout the 1970s-HAROLD AND MAUDE, THE LAST DETAlL, SHAMPOO, COMING HOME, BElNG THERE-he is often overIooked amid the crowd of luminaries from his generation. Amy Scott's exuberant portrait explores that curious oversight, using rare archival materiaIs, interviews, personaI letters, and audio recordings to reveal a passionate, obsessive artist. Ashby was a HoIlywood director who constantly cIashed with HoIIywood, but aIso a unique soul with an unprecedented insight into the human condition and an unmatched capacity for good. His fiIms were an elusive bIend 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 IittIe Iike walking on water. |