11/05/06 A Prairie Home Companion

A Prairie Home Companion (2006), directed by Robert Altman

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Here is a very interesting and engagin concept. Take two of the foremost auteurs in their respective professions (both in the business of entertainment mind you), and put them together for one huge production of epic proportions, yet down-home accoutrements. First, you have the wonderfully wry Midwestern satirist and all-round language artist Garrison Keillor, who is the author/creator of many realistic stories of the fictional Lake Wobegon and the long-living radio show "Prairie Home Companion". Second, you have the accomplished ensemble-loving director of such classics as "M.A.S.H.," "Nashville," and "Gosford Park" who has a knack for incorporating colorful characters into almost any setting. Both of these men are very recognizable in their breadth of work, but also in their very close connection to the nature of middle-America and its inhabitants. What emerges in this wonderfully simple storyline is Altman's interpretation on Keillor's radio show of the same name, and perhaps just how the series final performance could go off...with just a few major hitches! Employing a stellar and famous ensemble cast, as well as Keillor himself, you see the likes of the talented (Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, Kevin Kline, and Tommy Lee Jones); the talented only in an Altman film or "9 to 5" (Lily Tomlin); and the not-so-talented even in an Altman ensemble (Lindsay Lohan). Keeping to the integrity of his ensemble radio performances, Keillor represents himself naturally in the film, but also uses a lot of the musicians and acts that pop up often in his loveable routines. Streep and Tomlin play famous singing sisters who are in the twilight years, faltering over past romances with the likes of Keillor, and trying to convince their talented daughter/niece Lohan to also perform with them on the show. Kline plays a somewhat sleazy producer of the show, Jones a gruff business type who has to axe the show from the air. Perhaps the most fun are Harrelson and Reilly who play comedic cowboys who sing about the blues of everyday life. All in all, its a muted chaos that holds the show together behind the scenes, and allows you some genuine vignettes of what a radio show could really "look" like. If you have never looked into either of these famous artists, Altman or Keillor...please try. Maybe not your everyday cup of tea, but at least give them a chance to give you that bittersweet take on the simple things in human nature. Also, it should be noted that Altman died very soon after I watched this film, and so this being his final piece of work, it is a very good place to get to know him and appreciate his collaboration with Keillor.

3 out of 5 stars