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A Prairie Home Companion
2006
In director Robert Altman's final masterpiece, "A Prairie Home Companion" tells the tale of a much loved US radio show still surviving in the age of television. Garrison Keillor joins forces with an all star cast in this tale of the last ever live recording of one of America's broadcasting institutions. The show's broadcasters, .. Read more
| Starring | Meryle Streep, Kevin Kline, Lindsay Lohan, Tommy Lee Jones |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Altman |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama |
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A Prairie Home Companion
In director Robert Altman's final masterpiece, "A Prairie Home Companion" tells the tale of a much loved US radio show still surviving in the age of television. Garrison Keillor joins forces with an all star cast in this tale of the last ever live recording of one of America's broadcasting institutions. The show's broadcasters, WLT, have been bought out by a Texan conglomerate who decide to axe the show and it's cast. Garrison Keillor as hangdog MC leads the veteran performers including Yolande and Rhonda - the Johnson sisters (Meryly Streep and Lily Tomlin) and Dusty and Lefty, The Old Trail Hands (Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly), as they make their final performance and reminisce of times gone by.
| Starring | Meryle Streep, Kevin Kline, Lindsay Lohan, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, Lily Tomlin |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Altman |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 45 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 25 Jun 2007 Production year: 2006 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Like its predecessor, the virtually plot-free, therefore less audience-friendly The Company, this finds the late,... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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37 out of 41 people found this review helpful
It is what it is
Altman's warm style captures the spirit of the Prairie Home Companion (PHC) perfectly. PHC is a quintessential American variety show, the type that forgot or ignored that it was out of style. It features a quirky mix of musical numbers (jazz, folk, country) and humorous skids (like the duct tape pretend-commercial). The story itself takes a back seat to the warm mood of the extended PHC family comprised of actors, audience, and fictional characters that Altman captures with such genius.
Depending on your mood the movie can make you laugh till you drop or make you cry. But be warned: the movie is tough to understand for people without a sense of community or family. It plays on that theme by juxtaposing the old timers who have experienced the facts of life (love, loss, death) and carried on, finding solace in humor and song, with the young, clueless and suicidal urbanites (represented by Lindsay Lohan).
All in all it is a great show for anyone who can laugh at his/her own self and life's little quirks. It will greatly disappoint anyone with an overblown sense of self or anyone who is prejudiced against any of the musical styles featured in PHC. The movie is what it is, just like life.
If you have an extended family the movie is a must-see. It is thoroughly entertaining. -
Most recent members' review
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14 out of 14 people found this review helpful
Altman's Last Masterpiece
I approached this film with trepidation. First of all, the casting of Lindsay Lohan made me very, very wary. And the fact that this was the last film Robert Altman directed before he died made me wonder whethere the reviews were nicer than the film actually deserved.
this is based on a true story; the last few hours of an ailing radio station bought out by a Texan corporation.
I loved everything about this film: the dialogue is cracking and witty, and never boring; there is great character development and by the end of the movie you will get to know and care about all the characters (John C. Reilly and Woody Harrelson are absolutely cracking, but then again the whole cast is absolutely superb, and yes I also mean Lindsay Lohan - that girl would be amazing if she sorted her problems out, she can definitely act and can hold a tune) and I can't help but feel that we have lost an amazing person with great story-telling skills.
For those who complained that there is no story, this is not about plot and actions, it''s about the characters, and their story. The pace is led by character development, and it is all the better for it. Don't expect a standard Hollywood fare!
To end this review: Thank you very Robert Almann, you made the film world a better place and you will be greatly missed!
RIP -
News and features
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Gosford Park director dies
- 22 Nov 2006
Robert Altman, the director of films such as The Company and Short Cuts, has died at the age of 81. Known for taking the helm of ensemble films often with interconnecting, shorter stories, his last project was comedy drama A Prairie Home Companion starring Lindsay Lohan and Tommy Lee Jones. In 2001, he directed Gosford Park, a mystery set at an old English country house. With a cast including Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Ryan Phillippe, Charles Dance and Kristin Scott Thomas, it was also... Read more
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A Prairie Home Companion
In director Robert Altman's final masterpiece, "A Prairie Home Companion" tells the tale of a much loved US radio show still surviving in the age of television. Garrison Keillor joins forces with an all star cast in this tale of the last ever live recording of one of America's broadcasting ...
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