Nick Dawson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813125381
- eISBN:
- 9780813135267
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813125381.001.0001
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Film
Hal Ashby (1929–1988) was always an outsider, and as a director he brought an outsider's perspective to Hollywood cinema. After moving to California from a Mormon household in Utah, he created ...
More
Hal Ashby (1929–1988) was always an outsider, and as a director he brought an outsider's perspective to Hollywood cinema. After moving to California from a Mormon household in Utah, he created eccentric films that reflected the uncertain social climate of the 1970s. Whether it is his enduring cult classic Harold and Maude (1971) or the iconic Being There (1979), Ashby's artistry is unmistakable. His skill for blending intense drama with off-kilter comedy attracted A-list actors and elicited powerful performances from Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail (1973), Warren Beatty and Julie Christie in Shampoo (1975), and Jon Voight and Jane Fonda in Coming Home (1979). Yet the man behind these films is still something of a mystery. This book tells the story of a man whose thoughtful and challenging body of work continues to influence modern filmmakers and whose life was as dramatic and unconventional as his films. Although his name may not be recognized by many of today's filmgoers, Hal Ashby is certainly familiar to filmmakers. Despite his untimely death in 1988, his legacy of innovation and individuality continues to influence a generation of independent directors, including Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, and the Coen brothers, who place substance and style above the pursuit of box-office success.Less
Hal Ashby (1929–1988) was always an outsider, and as a director he brought an outsider's perspective to Hollywood cinema. After moving to California from a Mormon household in Utah, he created eccentric films that reflected the uncertain social climate of the 1970s. Whether it is his enduring cult classic Harold and Maude (1971) or the iconic Being There (1979), Ashby's artistry is unmistakable. His skill for blending intense drama with off-kilter comedy attracted A-list actors and elicited powerful performances from Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail (1973), Warren Beatty and Julie Christie in Shampoo (1975), and Jon Voight and Jane Fonda in Coming Home (1979). Yet the man behind these films is still something of a mystery. This book tells the story of a man whose thoughtful and challenging body of work continues to influence modern filmmakers and whose life was as dramatic and unconventional as his films. Although his name may not be recognized by many of today's filmgoers, Hal Ashby is certainly familiar to filmmakers. Despite his untimely death in 1988, his legacy of innovation and individuality continues to influence a generation of independent directors, including Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, and the Coen brothers, who place substance and style above the pursuit of box-office success.
Nick Dawson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813125381
- eISBN:
- 9780813135267
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813125381.003.0014
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Film
This chapter examines Hal Ashby's directorial job for the film The Last Detail. It describes Ashby's directorial style, his relationship with the cast including Jack Nicholson and Randy Quaid and the ...
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This chapter examines Hal Ashby's directorial job for the film The Last Detail. It describes Ashby's directorial style, his relationship with the cast including Jack Nicholson and Randy Quaid and the cast's observations about Ashby's work attitude. The film grossed $4 million at the box office but everyone knew it could have earned more. This chapter also mentions the death of Ashby's mother on November 9, 1973.Less
This chapter examines Hal Ashby's directorial job for the film The Last Detail. It describes Ashby's directorial style, his relationship with the cast including Jack Nicholson and Randy Quaid and the cast's observations about Ashby's work attitude. The film grossed $4 million at the box office but everyone knew it could have earned more. This chapter also mentions the death of Ashby's mother on November 9, 1973.
Nick Dawson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813125381
- eISBN:
- 9780813135267
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813125381.003.0013
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Film
This chapter examines the events that led Hal Ashby to direct the film The Last Detail. During the pre-production of Three Cornered Circle, actor Jack Nicholson told Ashby about his upcoming film The ...
More
This chapter examines the events that led Hal Ashby to direct the film The Last Detail. During the pre-production of Three Cornered Circle, actor Jack Nicholson told Ashby about his upcoming film The Last Detail. Nicholson recommended to producer Gerry Ayres to bring in Ashby to direct the film. This film was a clear step up for Ashby. He had his biggest budget yet at $2.6 million and salary of $95,000.Less
This chapter examines the events that led Hal Ashby to direct the film The Last Detail. During the pre-production of Three Cornered Circle, actor Jack Nicholson told Ashby about his upcoming film The Last Detail. Nicholson recommended to producer Gerry Ayres to bring in Ashby to direct the film. This film was a clear step up for Ashby. He had his biggest budget yet at $2.6 million and salary of $95,000.
