John Cameron Mitchell on Nashville
John Cameron Mitchell on Nashville
John joined Cooper and Tabitha to dish on Robert Altman's iconic 1975 film, why he identifies with each of the movie's 24 characters, and the inclusive spirit he brings to his work and his life.
Let me say first how excited we are to be nominated for the Webby award for BEST INDIE PODCAST (please be sure to cast your vote!), and “why not?”, with the likes of this guest and this special episode recorded live at the Sonoma International Film Festival. Thank you to Carl Spence and the whole team in Sonoma. BTW - I lived in Sonoma as a child and even saw my first film at the Sebastiani Theater right on the Plaza. Mystic circles connect and they continue!
I met John Cameron Mitchell at Sundance Summer Labs while he workshopped Hedwig and The Angry Inch. I was totally in awe of him and I still am. What a unique and fortunate occurrence to bring him onto the live show. His talent and wit are enormous. He speaks great truths that linger long after the fun and charm of this conversation subside. Enjoy! - J.C.
John Cameron Mitchell, the ultimate multi-hyphenate and creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, joined Cooper and Tabitha on stage at the Sonoma International Film Festival for a conversation about Robert Altman’s legendary Nashville. With a cast composed of Karen Black, Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakely, Lily Tomlin, Shelly Duvall, Geraldine Chaplin, Jeff Goldblum, and many more, the film knits together the stories of 24 characters as they navigate their time (1975) and place (Nashville, TN) in their own, idiosyncratic ways.
John shares his own experience seeing the film, a halfway-fruitful exchange with Nashville screenwriter Joan Tewksbury, and his personal encounters with Samuel Beckett and Robert Altman himself. Plus, how the scene with Keith Carradine singing the Oscar-winning song “I’m Easy” inspired parts of John’s own film Shortbus (2006), what he learned from the Sundance labs with Michelle Satter, and why bedwetters are his kind of people.
About the Film
Robert Altman’s panoramic portrait of American culture, told through the stories of twenty four characters in Nashville. 1975
Directed by Robert Altman
Written by Joan Tewkesbury
Primary Cast:
Keith Carradine
Karen Black
Ronee Blakley
Music by Arlene Barnett, Jonnie Barnett, Karen Black, Ronee Blakley, Gary Busey, Juan Grizzle, Juan Grizzle, Allan F. Nicholls, Dave Peel, Joe Raposo
Cinematography by Paul Lohmann
Editing by Dennis M. Hill, Sidney Levin
AWARDS — Academy Award for Best Original Song – “I’m Easy” Keith Carradine