Hal (2019)
A documentary portrait of Hal Ashby, the visionary director whose 1970s masterpieces defined an era and whose uncompromising spirit ultimately cost him everything.
Hal - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hal
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Amy Scott
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 28, 2019 (Australia), March 28, 2019 (France)
- Alternative Titles: 哈尔 (CN), Once I Was: The Hal Ashby Story (US)
- Production Companies: Oscilloscope
- Production Countries: United States of America
Hal - Plot
Hal Ashby's obsessive genius led to an unprecedented string of Oscar®-winning classics, including Harold and Maude, Shampoo and Being There. But as contemporaries Coppola, Scorsese and Spielberg rose to blockbuster stardom in the 1980s, Ashby's uncompromising nature played out as a cautionary tale of art versus commerce.
Hal - Trailer
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Hal - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Amy Scott
Main Cast
- Hal Ashby
- Jane Fonda
- Jon Voight
- Lee Grant
- Dustin Hoffman
- Rosanna Arquette
- Jeff Bridges
- Allison Anders
- John C. Reilly
- Judd Apatow
Hal - FAQs
What is the documentary Hal about?
Hal chronicles the remarkable life and career of director Hal Ashby, the counterculture visionary behind classics like Harold and Maude, Coming Home, and Being There. The film traces his extraordinary creative peak in the 1970s and his painful decline as Hollywood shifted toward blockbuster commerce in the 1980s.
Why did Hal Ashby's career fall apart in the 1980s?
Ashby's downfall came from a collision between his uncompromising artistic vision and Hollywood's growing appetite for commercial blockbusters. While peers like Spielberg and Scorsese adapted, Ashby refused to compromise. Substance abuse, battles with studios, and a string of commercial failures eroded his once-untouchable status in the industry.
Where can you stream Hal?
You can watch Hal on several platforms. It's available for free on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Fawesome, and with a subscription on Philo, OVID, and Fandor. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is there a post-credits scene or hidden ending in Hal?
Hal doesn't feature a post-credits scene in the traditional sense, but the film's closing moments are deeply affecting. The documentary ends on a reflective note about Ashby's legacy, leaving viewers with a lingering meditation on what Hollywood lost when his singular voice was silenced far too soon.
Who appears in the documentary Hal?
The film features an impressive lineup of voices celebrating Ashby's legacy. Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, Jeff Bridges, Rosanna Arquette, John C. Reilly, and Judd Apatow all appear, alongside filmmakers like David O. Russell, Adam McKay, and Alexander Payne.
Is Hal worth watching for film lovers?
Absolutely. Hal is a deeply moving portrait of one of American cinema's most underappreciated directors. Critics praised it as an essential piece of film history, rich with archival footage and candid interviews. Whether you know Ashby's work or are discovering it for the first time, this documentary is a genuine treat.
Who directed the documentary Hal?
Amy Scott directed Hal, making her feature documentary debut with the project. Scott also served as one of the film's editors alongside Sean Jarrett. Her passion for Ashby's story is evident throughout, resulting in a richly crafted tribute that earned widespread critical acclaim on the festival circuit.
What films is Hal Ashby best known for directing?
Ashby directed an extraordinary run of films in the 1970s, including Harold and Maude (1971), The Last Detail (1973), Shampoo (1975), Bound for Glory (1976), Coming Home (1978), and Being There (1979). Coming Home won two Academy Awards, and Being There earned Peter Sellers an Oscar nomination.
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