It started with the Cannes Screenplay prize winning "Henry Fool" in 1997, continued with "Fay Grim" in 2006, and now the story wraps up with "Ned Rifle." Hal Hartley‘s trilogy that started with a garbageman turned novelist, inspired to greatness by his friend Henry whose ego was bigger than his talent, features all of his trademark wit, dry humor and distinct tone. And just as the film heads into limited release, the director’s works — which include "Trust," "Surviving Desire," and "The Book Of Life" — are getting a retrospective courtesy of Cinefamily in Los Angeles.
"Hal Hartley’s name is synonymous with ‘independent filmmaking’ since the golden age of Sundance. He’s been writing, directing, producing his own films his own way — even playing the music or marketing them himself. It’s been too long since he’s been to Los Angeles, and with his newest ‘Ned Rifle’ — the completion of the trilogy that started with ‘Henry Fool’ — it’s the perfect time to give him the retrospective he deserves. I take it back, it’s overdue," said Cinefamily’s Executive Director Hadrian Belove.
So to help get you prepared, today we have an exclusive clip from "Ned Rifle." Aubrey Plaza features in this scene, in which her character is trying to get to Henry Fool by hanging around his son. And while she says she’s an admirer of the man’s work, she might have ulterior motives.
"Ned Rifle" will be available on Vimeo on April 1st. The Cinefamily retrospectives runs from April 2nd to 4th with Hal Hartley in attendance for Q&As, with the "Ned Rifle" cast joining him on April 3rd — you can get full details right here. The film begins a week long run in Los Angeles on April 3rd.