Hal Hartley
Biography
Hal Hartley (born November 3, 1959) is an American film director, screenwriter, and composer, who became a key figure in the American independent film movement of the 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for his films Trust, Amateur and Henry Fool, which are notable for deadpan humour and offbeat characters quoting philosophical dialogue. His films provided a career launch for a number of actors, including Adrienne Shelly, Edie Falco, Martin Donovan, Parker Posey, Karen Sillas and Elina Löwensohn. Hartley frequently scores his own films using his pseudonym Ned Rifle, and his soundtracks regularly feature music by indie rock acts Yo La Tengo and PJ Harvey. Description above from the Wikipedia article Hal Hartley, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Known For & Full Filmography11 Titles
Movie - 1996, 2h 15m • as Hal (uncredited)
The same situation is played out in different cities (New York, Berlin and Tokyo). A lover has to choose whether to commit to a partner who is returning home. In each case there are other people involved, an ex-partner and someone else in a "permanent" relationship, what do they choose to do?
Movie - 2021, 2h 15m • as Self
As the muse of Hal Hartley’s indie classics and as writer/director of the critically acclaimed Waitress, Adrienne Shelly was a shining star in the indie film firmament. A devoted young mother, her life was right on track until her husband found her dead. Filmmaker Andy Ostroy has been fighting to discover the truth about his wife’s death ever since.
Movie - 2010, 2h 15m • as Self
Hartley's conscientious assistant in Berlin receives weekly letters from her boss and sends him the books he needs as he struggles in Amsterdam to create the staging for Dutch composer Louis Andriessen's opera, "La commedia."
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
The life and times of Baltimore film maker and midnight movie pioneer, John Waters.
Movie - 2010, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Hartley and his wife, Miho Nikaido, travel to Japan to see her parents and reflect on 12 years of marriage, her career ambitions, and the adventures of growing older.
Movie - 2007, 2h 15m • as Himself
A short documentary about the making of 'Fay Grim.'
Movie - 1999, 2h 15m • as Self
A documentary on the career of filmmaker John Waters. Featuring interviews with actors and fellow film-makers. The life and death of the actor Divine is also discussed.
Movie - 2004, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A behind the scenes look, including an interview with Hal Hartley, surrounding his play "Soon," a production inspired by the 1993 events in Waco, Texas involving the religious sect called the Branch Davidians and their collision with the US Federal Government.
Movie - 1993, 2h 15m • as Self
A Paul Joyce documentary on the American independent film scene.
Movie - 2005, 2h 15m • as Self
An 18-minute documentary made in 2005 by perennial Hartley actor D.J. Mendel, reunites the director and line producer Ted Hope with actors Adrienne Shelly and Martin Donovan for an off-the-cuff, affectionate, and surprisingly candid (it was hardly an easy shoot) recollection of their collaboration on the demanding Hartley's second feature.
Movie - 2004, 2h 15m • as Self (voice)
A documentary concerning the periods between the actual takes during the production of Hartley's short film "Iris," revealing the imagination, diligence and patience that goes into composing a shot.