Robert Altman directs a sweeping view of a large group of people, mostly musicians, wannabes, and hangers-on, in Nashville during a third-party presidential campaign. Many people complain that this movie has no narrative, but in fact, each of its many characters has a clear narrative arc, often an engrossing one. Most are driven forward by a single, compelling goal that blinds them to reality and the people around them. Many are overlaying a strong personal interpretation on reality, so that the Californian has no idea who these country music freaks are, and the country star has no idea who Julie Christie (in a cameo) is - she cannot be a star, because she doesn't dress like one. The single-mindedness, selfishness, and sometime insanity is highlighted by Ronee Blakley, who plays Barbara Jean, the biggest star in country music. While every other character is racing towards what Barbara Jean has, Barbara Jean is spiraling away from it; collapsing under its weight.
Outstanding performances by an enormous cast, with especially good turns by Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakley, and Gwen Welles as a tragically deluded woman who cannot be dissuaded from her belief that she can sing. 10/10
Outstanding performances by an enormous cast, with especially good turns by Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakley, and Gwen Welles as a tragically deluded woman who cannot be dissuaded from her belief that she can sing. 10/10