I really like Hal Hartley’s work. Over the past twenty years, he’s produced some truly great independent films that have a pretty unique style. Fay Grim, a follow up to his 1997 film Henry Fool is a really fun and involving film…and very much a Hal Hartley film. What makes it a Hal Hartley film? For one, the dialog is extremely fast-paced and incredibly detailed. Hal actually warned the audience prior to the screening that there would be a barrage of dialog… but it wasn’t important to follow all of it. Secondly, there’s a definite visual style (he opted to dutch the entire film – which basically means the camera is always skewed one way or another). Lastly, there are (as always) great performances from every single member of the cast. So… what is the film about? I think the Sundance program write-up sums it best. The film simply asks, “can a neurotic mom from Queens (with help from a friendly stewardess/part-time topless dancer) elude spy agencies and Afghan terrorists before her ex-husband, who isn’t dead, is killed over eight volumes of illogical, pedantic gibberish?” The result is funny, political, quirky, and ultimately a really fun ride. Even those who aren’t familiar with Hal’s work will undoubtedly enjoy the exuberant joy that has so clearly been poured into this project by everyone involved.
And for those of you who are familiar with Hal’s work, especially those who enjoyed Henry Fool, Hal and Parker Posey (who plays Fay) told the audience during the Q&A following the screening that there was already movement on a third act to the saga.
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