I have never listened to a radio broadcast of PHC, but that did not stop me from loving every minute of this film. The screenplay by Garrison Keillor was hilarious, and also very moving. Robert Altman's direction was incredible, along with gorgeous cinematography. Who knew the backstage of a theater in Minnesota could be so beautiful? The acting in the film was incredible. Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin were dead on with their portrayal of singing sisters, not to mention their excellent singing duets throughout the film. Meryl Streep has a beautiful signing voice! Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly were perfectly cast as the singing cowboys; not to mention hilarious! The Dangerous Woman by Virginia Madsen was strange, but a wonderful addition to the film. One of the best characters in the film was Kevin Kline as Guy Noir. Although a bit cheesy, the character seemed to work very well in the plot line. One of the best elements of the film was the music. I have always been a fan of folk music, and this is certainly the best of folk music, mixed in with lots of humor. Altman and Keillor have created a masterpiece of modern cinema, and storytelling at its absolute finest. What makes this film so wonderful and beautiful is its simplicity. The humor is not complex, nor is the plot line. It is simply a story of people who have become a family through the radio show who face their last performance. The relationships and charming characters of the film make an intricate plot line unnecessary. PHC is wonderful for its brilliant amalgamation of incredible acting, excellent music, and the best in film-making, which makes a simply beautiful film.
Review of A Prairie Home Companion
