Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: Unrated, some language
Released in Theaters: in Los Angeles on September 13 followed by a national roll-out.
Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Sophie Huber
Running Time: 77 minutes
Website: Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction
If you’re an actor and you don’t know who Harry Dean Stanton is, you are missing out on watching a consummate master at work. He is one of the last significant character actors of his generation who could stand with any of the greats from the 30’s and 40’s.
He appeared as Dean Stanton in just about every Western series since the dawn of television, and then in the early 70’s he began using his given name Harry Dean Stanton, which seems to coincide with the advent of what would become some of his most memorable roles.
He appeared in a string of those often overlooked 70’s gems like “Cisco Pike,” “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid,” “Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins,” and “Missouri Breaks,” where he got to work with friend Marlon Brando, whom he labels the best actor ever.
In 1984, “Repo Man” and “Paris, Texas” really put Harry Dean on the map as the go-to character actor that would add layers to any supporting character role.
Sophie Huber’s documentary “Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction” gives us a glimpse into the actor. Although Harry Dean has been in well over 100 movies, he’s uncomfortable having the camera pointed in his direction, so Huber gets Harry Dean to reveal himself through his first love – music. Kris Kristofferson makes an appearance sharing Harry Dean ’s extensive musical collaborations on stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and, of course, Kristofferson himself.
Occasionally filmed in black and white, Huber’s film gives depth to a face that echoes many tales. His bartender of 30 years from Dan Tana’s remarks that Harry Dean doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s important. The bartender is proven correct when Harry Dean claims the reason he got into music and acting was to get laid. He’s refreshingly truthful too.
After a funny scene with David Lynch and Harry Dean Stanton chain-smoking and drinking cups of Yuban, I’m craving my own Harry Dean film festival starting with “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.”
Harry Dean Stanton and director Sophie Huber will do a Q&A Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 at the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles to kick off “Partly Fiction’s” week-long engagement.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM:
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
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