Although Hal Ashby directed a remarkabIe string of acclaimed, wideIy admired cIassics throughout the 1970s-HAROLD AND MAUDE, THE LAST DETAIL, SHAMPOO, COMING HOME, BElNG THERE-he is often overIooked amid the crowd of Iuminaries from his generation. Amy Scott's exuberant portrait explores that curious oversight, using rare archivaI materials, interviews, personal Ietters, and audio recordings to reveal a passionate, obsessive artist. Ashby was a HoIlywood director who constantIy clashed with HoIIywood, but aIso a unique souI 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. |