This 62-minute retrospective documentary covers a lot of interesting and illuminating ground on the making of the film "True Stories." David Byrne reveals that he came up with images first prior to writing any dialogue and how he was influenced by the Robert Altman movie "Nashville" as well as stories featured in tabloid newspapers. Casting director Victoria Thomas talks about going to bat for John Goodman. Jo Harvey Allen was doing a one woman stage show at the time she was cast as the lying gal and embellished on her dialogue. Cinematographer Edward Lachman discusses how he wanted to break the frame by using unconventional lighting sources. Moreover, we also learn that Willard Scott was considered to narrate the film, the fashion show was inspired by a Sears catalog, Byrne was very specific about the casting of extras, and a lot of people were cast through auditions that were held for the talent show contest. Recommended viewing for fans of the film.
2 Reviews
Seen on Criterion's 2018 release
FeverDog10 February 2019
I hadn't seen True Stories since the early-late '80s and didn't remember how great the movie looked. So I was pleased this documentary featured its director of photography, Ed Lachman. I wasn't familiar with his work, so I thought. But looking through his credits here at IMDb it turns out he's shot many movies that haven't gotten enough praise for their cinematography. Making Mr. Right, Less Than Zero, The Virgin Suicides, Far from Heaven, Wonderstruck - they all look great. So Lachman's appearance in a movie's credits will now increase the likelihood of me seeing said film (like if Philip Glass is doing the music).
Praise also goes to casting director Victoria Thomas for pushing David Byrne to cast John Goodman. I knew he was in True Stories but didn't remember how sweet, lovable, and super cute his character was. He really brought a lot to make Louis an attractive man. Good job, Miss Thomas.
My only other comment is about the annoying way? that Adelle Lutz? speaks with an upward inflection? Props, though, to her costuming in Making Mr. Right (I love that movie) and bit performances in Beetlejuice and Something Wild.
Praise also goes to casting director Victoria Thomas for pushing David Byrne to cast John Goodman. I knew he was in True Stories but didn't remember how sweet, lovable, and super cute his character was. He really brought a lot to make Louis an attractive man. Good job, Miss Thomas.
My only other comment is about the annoying way? that Adelle Lutz? speaks with an upward inflection? Props, though, to her costuming in Making Mr. Right (I love that movie) and bit performances in Beetlejuice and Something Wild.
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