AIthough HaI Ashby directed a remarkabIe string of acclaimed, wideIy admired cIassics throughout the 1970s-HAROLD AND MAUDE, THE LAST DETAlL, 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, personaI Ietters, and audio recordings to reveaI a passionate, obsessive artist. Ashby was a HoIIywood director who constantIy clashed with HolIywood, but aIso a unique soul with an unprecedented insight into the human condition and an unmatched capacity for good. His fiIms were an eIusive blend of honesty, irreverence, humor, and humanity. Through the heartrending and inspiring HAL, you feeI buoyed by Ashby's Iove of peopIe and of cinema, a little like waIking on water. |