Review of A Prairie Home Companion (2006) by André D — 23 Jul 2009

Robert Altman's latest, and sadly last, picture is one of joyful glee. I have not witnessed one other film this year that was filled with so much homespun joy and delicate poise. Altman has crafted a true gem, one of his best! The film essays the last broadcast of the radio show 'A Prairie Home Companion' hosted by GK. The film includes many Altman trademarks: overlapping dialogue, music and most notably a large and capable cast of actors.

As the singing Johnson sister, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin show a strong report. Their duets on My Minnesota Home and Goodbye to Mama are some of the film's musical highlights. Lindsay Lohan plays Meryl Streep's daughter and does a solid job especially on her own slightly adjusted version of Frankie and Johnny. Part of me wanted to commend Lohan for taking a role in this film, then she turns around and makes 'Just my Luck', which is a long way from this film in terms of quality or plot.

Also in the film are classic characters from Keilor's actual radio show. Dusty (Woody Harrelson) and Lefty (John C. Reily) are a couple of cowpokes who have a taste for dirty humor. And Guy Noir (A great Kevin Kline) who is a Sam Spade- esqe private eye moonlighting as a security guard for the Fitzgerald theater. Noir also narrates. And of course there is GK (Garrison Keilor) the mellow main man.

Now, back to Streep. She gives a powerful performance. That's hard to do when your character is a bit of a floozy. We all know the lady can act but when she opens her mouth and begins to sing, it is a moment of genuine surprise: the lady can really belt it! The most remarkable accomplishment of this film is the way Altman and Keilor weave heavy themes, such as death, into a film that floats in on a breeze and brings you through a magical film. Forget Hogwarts or The Lord of the Rings, this is true magic: A film about death that breathes so fully and lives so vibrantly.