Nashville (1975)

A disparate group of 24 characters criss-cross paths over a five day period in Nashville, Tennessee. Eventually, they all come together at a political rally/concert where a horrible tragedy occurs. Directed by Robert Altman, this is a staggering cinematic achievement. Working with an impeccable ensemble cast, Altman uses the Nashville music scene as a microcosm of the U.S. where political ambition, celebrity, greed and culture struggle with each other which leads to an eventual breakdown. Yes, it's an obvious metaphor. While the film can genuinely be called great (I think it's Altman's masterpiece), it's not without flaws. Altman condescends to the country music scene because it's an easy target. Would the film have worked transposed to the rock music scene or the world of classical music? I don't think so. Some of the actors are poor singers (Henry Gibson, Karen Black) and it takes a suspension of belief to see them as true country music icons. Even more so when the real thing comes along and Ronee Blakley as the fragile Barbara Jean recovering from a nervous breakdown and puts most of the other musical performances to shame. One of the great American films. The massive cast includes Lily Tomlin, Keith Carradine, Geraldine Chaplin, Ned Beatty, Shelley Duvall, Keenan Wynn, Barbara Harris, Jeff Goldblum, Scott Glenn, Barbara Baxley, Allen Garfield, Cristina Raines, Gwen Welles, Timothy Brown, David Hayward and as themselves, Julie Christie and Elliott Gould.