Comments on: The Essentials: The Films Of Hal Hartley

By: Fabien

Fabien — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

Was introduced to HH\’s work through my students in film studies, in the early 90s. Immediately considered him as one of my top ten authors and could re-watch any movie of his endlessly. Pure and full cinematographic pleasure. A unique and wonderful director.

By: Claire Lemay

Claire Lemay — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

Hal Hartley is a talented man. But, I have always thought that his best work were the movies that Martin Donovan starred in. Those two work together magically. The first movie of Hal's I seen was Trust. After that I started watching his other films. Surviving Desire, The Book Of Life, Amateur, Flirt and Simple Men are all such Classics. The others, well not nearly as much. I don't know if it's my admiration for Martin that makes me like these films so much more, or if it's simply the fact that the other actors didn't quite fit as well. Either way, proud to say I own them and are a part of my collection.

By: Jill C Brooke

Jill C Brooke — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

Thanks for this wonderful piece! Hal Hartley was my introduction to Indie film and my divining rod as to what was cool. "Henry Fool" was such a disappointment to me. I felt he'd lost his way. But I've always felt that even in his failures, his films contain little moments of brilliance!
And the world owes him a great debt for encouraging such wonderful acting talent…some of whom were so inspired by him and his TRUST, that they became filmmakers themselves!

By: LeonRaymond

LeonRaymond — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

Lets not forget that this gentleman is one the first indie filmmakers , outstanding body of work

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

I adore Hal Hartley – he's my favourite director along with John Sayles.

By: Ken

Ken — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

I don't think the Breeders or Husker Du comparisons are apt, I would go with like Primus or something. Insanely talented, but incredibly off-beat.

By: cinetrix

cinetrix — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

Parker Posey's first appearance in a Hartley movie is actually in the Great Outdoors scene in SURVIVING DESIRE. She's the woman in blue dancing by the phone booth.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:26:50 +0000

My creative writing instructor encouraged me to check this guy out. After reading this retrospective I'll definitely have to Netflix this guy.