Nashville
Synopsis
Five days in the Nashville country and gospel music scene, filled with stars, wannabe stars, and other hangers-on - individual stories of this small group intertwined - provides a commentary on American society. The stars include: good ol' boy Haven Hamilton, whose patriotic songs leading up to the American bicentennial belie his controlling and ruthless nature; Barbara Jean, the country music darling who is just returning to Nashville and performing following recovery from a fire-related injury which may have taken more of an emotional toll than a physical one; and good looking and charismatic Tom Frank, one-third of the successful group Bill, Mary, and Tom, he who is trying to go solo, which masks his need to not be solo in his personal life as he emotionally abuses woman after woman in love with him, including Mary who is married to Bill. The wannabe stars include: Albuquerque, whose real name is Winifred, who is trying to run away from her husband Star in he not approving of her career choice; and Sueleen Gay, a waitress who will do anything to make it big in music despite being told directly that she has no singing talent. Tying their stories together are: Opal, a supposed reporter for the BBC who is working on a documentary and is searching for whatever angle she can; John Triplette, a Yankee in town to organize political fundraisers, including a country music outdoor concert, for third party (the Replacement Party) presidential candidate, populist Hal Phillip Walker, who has the potential to take just enough votes to affect the election; and Martha, who has renamed herself L.A. Jones, who is in town to visit her hospitalized ailing aunt, but who instead decides to be a groupie to any country music star she can find.
Critical Acclaim
When Nashville premiered in 1975, it garnered widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and innovative narrative structure. Robert Altman's direction was praised for seamlessly weaving together a tapestry of 24 characters over the course of five days in the heart of America’s country music capital. Critics highlighted the film’s intricate portrayal of American society, with Pauline Kael of The New Yorker hailing it as “a radical, evolved work” and a “fascinating, complex, and ultimately moving experience.” The film was noted for its unique approach to sound and music, employing overlapping dialogue and a rich soundtrack that added depth to its multi-layered narrative.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded Nashville four stars, calling it “an orgy of spectacle and a treasure of sound.” Vincent Canby of The New York Times described it as “a film of extraordinary sensitivity and vision.” In modern times, the film maintains a strong reputation, with contemporaneous praise echoed by its 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics continue to commend the film's innovative storytelling and the authentic performances of its ensemble cast, particularly the standout roles of Ronee Blakley and Lily Tomlin.
The lasting impact of Nashville is evident in its influence on both the film industry and popular culture. It received five Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Original Song, and has often been cited as one of the greatest American films ever made. The film's non-linear narrative and multi-character focus have inspired numerous filmmakers in subsequent decades. It has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry, recognized for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” ensuring its legacy as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement.
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