ReFocus: The Films of Kelly Reichardt

by E. Dawn Hall

Overview

Over her six-film career, including works like Old Joy, Meek's Cutoff and Certain Women, the independent filmmaker Kelly Reichardt has established a highly individual perspective on questions of gender, feminism, socioeconomics and sexual orientation, set within an aesthetic framework that is guided by the low-budget techniques of 'slow cinema', minimalism and neorealism. In this close reading of her films and production methods, E. Dawn Hall defines Reichardt's auteur characteristics, arguing that she offers a contemporary and sustainable model for independent filmmakers in America.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474452243
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	08/07/2019
Series:	ReFocus: The American Directors Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

E. Dawn Hall is professor in the School of University Studies at Western Kentucky University.

Table of Contents

List of Figures vi

Acknowledgments vii

1 Kelly Reichardt as Auteur 1

2 A Closer Look: Kelly Reichardt 6

3 Precursor: River of Grass 15

4 Growth: Ode; Then, a Year; and Travis 35

5 Discovery: Old Joy 45

6 Breakthrough: Wendy and Lucy 64

7 Expectations: Meek's Cutoff 86

8 Expansion: Night Moves 111

9 Solidification: Certain Women 132

An Interview Kelly Reichardt 146

Filmography 149

Bibliography 151

Index 157

What People are Saying About This

Professor Christine Holmlund

Dawn Hall’s study of Kelly Reichardt, one of the greatest contemporary American independent directors, is most warmly welcome. Eminently readable and teachable, with a wealth of useful information on each film’s production, distribution and reception, Hall’s survey is sure to make you want to see and re-see, and to see more of, Reichardt’s richly rewarding films.

Editorial Reviews

"Structured wonderfully and in a way that makes the chronological flow feel less rigid and more natural, 'The Films Of Kelly Reichardt' is a thrilling and deeply important (and incredibly easy to read and fly right on through) meditation on a filmmaker whose import will be felt for years and generations to come." — Joshua Brunsting, CriterionCast

From the Publisher

Structured wonderfully and in a way that makes the chronological flow feel less rigid and more natural, The Films Of Kelly Reichardt is a thrilling and deeply important (and incredibly easy to read and fly right on through) meditation on a filmmaker whose import will be felt for years and generations to come.

CriterionCast - Joshua Brunsting

Dawn Hall’s study of Kelly Reichardt, one of the greatest contemporary American independent directors, is most warmly welcome. Eminently readable and teachable, with a wealth of useful information on each film’s production, distribution and reception, Hall’s survey is sure to make you want to see and re-see, and to see more of, Reichardt’s richly rewarding films.

Professor Christine Holmlund