154. Robert Altman's 'Nashville' (1975)

I'm joined by frequent FCAC Guest Star Richard Brown as we explore the many possible reactions to Robert Altman and Joan Tewksbury's 'Nashville'...a film that polarized pretty much everyone when it came out but that has settled into a comfortable middle-age of generally accepted masterpiece status. But...is it?
In this episode Rick and I explore the fruits of Altman's decision to have entirely new country music songs written for the movie, in many cases BY his stars, many of whom were not musicians. We discuss Lily Tomlin's exerted influence on her character's key scenes, and how her warmth and humanity contributes much-needed heart to the proceedings.
There was much backstage drama during the shoot, and of course we're not above handling the better of those stories with class and dignity...
Watch 'Nashville' on RUclips.
Read about 'Nashville' on Wikipedia.
Some 'Nashville' clips.
A few of Rick Brown's other recent FCAC appearances:
Bobby Darin Beyond the Song
Broadcast News
Our 'Weird Christmas' Special
Watch the 'Payday' trailer here.

[@ClaudePollardIII-iq3vs]

Ronee Blakely's performance was flawless. Listen to "Dues" again.

[@jgr977]

Overall, I enjoyed your podcast on the film, Nashville. I found your analysis of Keith Carradine's approach/reaction to his character particularly interesting. However, you state that none of the actors were actual country singers. Wasn't Ronee Blakely a country music singer before Nashville? I thought it was predicted that she was going to have a big career in film after her role as Barbara Jean, but that never happened.
Also, why didn't you or Richard discuss Allen Garfield's character, Barnett (Barbara Jean's husband)? I thought he was excellent. He had contempt for the music business and all of the leeches it spawned; his sole agenda was to protect his wife's mental and physical health and reputation. The scene when he accosted the audience after Barbara Jean had her breakdown was remarkable. I'd be curious to know both of your thoughts on his character and that scene. To me it was one of the only moments of truthfulness in the film. He was telling the audience how it was whether they wanted hear it in 'shut-up-and-sing' Nashville or not.