Review of True Stories (1986) by Herbert R — 15 Jan 2011

"A Completely Cool, Multi-Purpose Movie.".

Talking Heads' ringleader David Byrne makes his directorial debut in this charming low-key musical montage about the mythical town of Virgil, Texas, where the lives of many of its eccentric citizens are exposed.

He meets various colorful local characters, most notably Lewis Fyne (Goodman), a big-hearted bachelor in search of matrimony. Also features Swoosie Kurtz and Spalding Gray. It was co-written with the great character actor Stephen Tobolowsky.

Narrator: What time is it? No time to look back.

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Miss Rollings: It's like how hot dogs come in packs of 10, and buns come in packs of eight or 12 - you have to buy nine packs to make it come out even.

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Narrator: I really enjoy forgetting. When I first come to a place, I notice all the little details. I notice the way the sky looks. The color of white paper. The way people walk. Doorknobs. Everything. Then I get used to the place and I don't notice those things anymore. So only by forgetting can I see the place again as it really is.

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Narrator: I have something to say about the difference between American and European cities. But I've forgotten what it is. I have it written down at home somewhere.

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Louis Fyne: I'm a dancing fool.

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Narrator: This isn't a rental car - it's privately owned.

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Louis Fyne: I'm 6'3", and maintain a very consistent panda bear shape.

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Narrator: You know, things that never had names before are now easily described. Makes conversation easier.

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Narrator: Look! I personally believe... I can see Fort Worth from here.

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Louis Fyne: Like the song says, it's a scientific lifestyle.

Narrator: Hmm. I don't know that one.

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Kay Culver: Be sexy in business. Be successful at night.

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Earl Culver: Mainframe. Microprocessor. Semiconductor!

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Kay Culver: Shopping is a feeling.

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Narrator: Excuse me, Mr. Culver. I forget what these peppers represent.

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Narrator: Look at this. Who can say it isn't beautiful? Sky, bricks. Who do you think lives there? Four-car garage. Hope, fear, excitement, satisfaction.

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Louis Fyne: This place is filled with women.

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Narrator: Metal buildings are the dream that Modern Architects had at the beginning of this century. It has finally come true, but they themselves don't realize it. That's because it doesn't take an Architect to build a metal building. You just order them out of a catalog - comes with a bunch of guys who put it together in a couple of days, maybe a week. And there you go - you're all set to go into business - just slap a sign out front.

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Narrator: Some people say 'Freeways are the Cathedrals of our time'. Not me.

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Earl Culver: Here's a field... take a look out. Picture a house... Picture a lot of houses. What else is a field good for but building houses?