Nashville (1975)

VHS CASE/SIDE

MPAA Certificate Number: 24225

Length of film: 160 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music

Director: Robert Altman

Starring: David Arkin, Barbara Baxley, Ned Beatty, Karen Black, Ronee Blakley, Lily Tomlin, Shelley Duvall, Scott Glen, Jeff Goldblum

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:  96 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  64 Minutes

*** The official VHS cassette splits the film at the 120 minute mark when Linnea (Lily Tomlin) sits alone at the club. This transfer does not translate well and cuts off in the middle of a scene between dialoug. For this reason it is encouraged to use the intermission time above.

Where does the first part end? It is the end of the third day. Kenny walks by the campaign office of Hal Phillip Walker.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “… and If we don’t get it done today, we may not of had tomorrows.” External loudspeaker blares Walker’s folksy political aphorisms.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “The buses are empty” Opal walks through a large school bus parking lot.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, it is the end of day three. Throughout the first three days we have been introduced to various characters and their interwoven story lines. How each of these characters will ultimately be brought together in the climax Walker gala event is still unknown.

Which part is better? The better part of the film can vary depending on where the view ultimately decides to place the intermission point. If using the VHS intermission break, part one stands out, due to more of the story line and character sub plots being brought closer to the climax. If using Hollywood Halftimes suggested intermission point then part two stands out as much of the character sub plots are still being developed. Also part two includes the climax finale at the Walker gala event.

Academy Awards: Best Music- Original Song (Keith Carradine- I’m Easy), Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actress (Ronee Blakley- Nominated), Best Supporting Actress (Lily Tomlin-Nominated), Best Director (Nominated)

National Film Registry: 1992