"Nashville" Chronicles

In an advance review that in itself is now legendary, Pauline Kael called Nashville: The funniest epic vision of America ever to reach the screen. When the film was released in 1975, Altman had already established himself as a film director with a unique vision and a natural ability to walk the fine line between the hyperreal and the surreal. He had shown that to great acclaim -- and financial success -- with the brilliant and darkly comic film M*A*S*H, later to be turned into one of television's most enduring series. Following 'Nashville' came such memorable Altman films as 'The Player', 'Short Cuts' and, most recently, the Academy-Award nominee 'Gosford Park' (winner of the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay). In writing this book, Jan Stuart enjoyed the benefit of full co-operation from Altman, who sat for many hours of interviews. Illustrated throughout with behind-the-scenes photos, this is both a fascinating journalistic tour de force and a valuable tool for students of film and filmmaking.