"We are a people who understand, if you're really happy . . . this too shall pass."
Just got back from the Prairie Home Companion movie. Robert Altman's rambling, mumbly directorial style is a perfect fit for Garrison Keillor's rambling, mumbly delivery. The movie covers events behind the scenes during a single night of the PHC. If you're a fan of the show and GK's work, I think you'll enjoy it. Various Hollywood stars play an assortment of the PHC performers (Dusty & Lefty, etc.) and many of the real performers appear.
You get all the parts of a PHC show--old timey music, goofy ads, sound effects. The two things missing are the little radio dramas and GK's monologue. But that's because the movie is both of those in itself. Its rambling story, collection of goofy yet real characters, and meditations on love, sex, death, and family make it a living, breathing GK monologue. And in a genius stroke of writing and casting, Kevin Kline plays the head of security for the troupe--Guy Noir, Private Eye--with all of Guy's characteristic suave mannerisms and gift with the English language (his description of the woman in white is inspired).
There's no real plot, no true resolution, mostly just a lovely tribute to the PHC--the show, its content, and the people who make it. I highly recommend it.
Plus, it made me all nostalgic for home.
You get all the parts of a PHC show--old timey music, goofy ads, sound effects. The two things missing are the little radio dramas and GK's monologue. But that's because the movie is both of those in itself. Its rambling story, collection of goofy yet real characters, and meditations on love, sex, death, and family make it a living, breathing GK monologue. And in a genius stroke of writing and casting, Kevin Kline plays the head of security for the troupe--Guy Noir, Private Eye--with all of Guy's characteristic suave mannerisms and gift with the English language (his description of the woman in white is inspired).
There's no real plot, no true resolution, mostly just a lovely tribute to the PHC--the show, its content, and the people who make it. I highly recommend it.
Plus, it made me all nostalgic for home.