A Prairie Home Companion (2 Discs)

One of the best releases this year and no doubt about it. With a multi talented star studded cast, Robert Altman has again proved with his last movie before his death, why he is one of the greatest film directors we have seen this century. With absolute attention to detail in his character studies he exposes the very heart of what makes us tick as individuals and why we are so simple/complex in our differences to each other. I think this is a masterclass of film making and would urge any young film directors to view it over and over again. A wonderful quirky remonance of a bygone memory/situation/love affair/parentage/music it touches the soul and makes it soar. Fantastic performances all round and for me the movie of the year.

If you are familiar with and love the work of Garrison Keillor, then you will love this film. Though the Director is Robert Altman and the names on the cast list include a number of stars, this is Keillors film. He is the ideal foil for Altman. His humour is gentle, whimsical even slight.

The picture he paints is not of a brash slick smart America, an urbane witty, wisecracking America or even a defiantly redneck America. This is an America locked in the fifties, homely, slightly innocent and charming.

As with Keillor's books, the plot is slight, concerning the take over of the Radio station airing the long running Prairie Home Companion Show. But the plot doesn't revolve very much around that, the plot is the show and the show is a selection of unlikely characters.

The action is all set in the Radio Station, either on the set of or offstage of the show.

Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin give wondderfully warm and gentle performances and Kevin Kline makes a wonderful Lounge Lizaed.

If you are looking for action, thrills or belly laughs, then this film is not for you, but if you are looking for an intelligent, gentle work then this a film you should see.