A Prairie Home Companion--Robert Altman's Finale

Rating: n/a
5 stars-

--- By Steve Wang Translated by Picker Chen

I am very curious to know whether Robert Altman, were he still alive, would have his next work surpass this one by incorporating the four elements of communication--broadcasting, music, stage and film. This question is not meant to sound disrespectful, but merely expresses my feeling that this movie already surpasses the limits of traditional ideas of film and art through its detailed, heart-warming flow.

"A Prairie Home Companion" has balance and restraint. Human emotions and the portrayed time period are genially expressed through comforting country oldies and the light babbling of everyday conversation. There is no extreme passion but, rather, the soft interactions that go with the understanding of human relationships and crossing of paths.

The movie portrays the real-life public radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion", with a backstage story about the show's last night of broadcasting. The cast is full of old timers and familiar faces who put up an excellent portrayal of organized chaos. The plot revolves around the singing performances by Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, Lily Tomlin and Garrison Keillor. Kevin Kline plays the awkward security guard and Virginia Madsen the haunting angel, with Tommy Lee Jones completing the cast as the big-time corporate boss. Each actor brings to the film their own unique humor and charm.

The movie is full of poignant moments. During an intermission, an old singer named Chuck dies in his sleep. The beautiful angel comforts his devastated partner and says, "The death of an old man is not a tragedy. " The partner replies with tears in her eyes, "But I don't want him to go...."

After seeing this film, fans will be moved and leave with a sense of gratitude. Though we will miss him, Altman has already left us with so much and for that we can give him a heartfelt thanks.

For specific showing times, please refer to theatre notices.