· movies · 11 min read
All 24 Hal Hartley Movies (in Order)
Dive into the world of indie cinema with our latest movie roundup article, focusing on the fascinating works of Hal Hartley. Known for his unique storytelling style and complex characters, Hartley’s films have left an indelible mark on the independent film scene. Join us as we explore some of his most memorable movies and delve into the mind of this visionary director.
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1. Sweet Lorraine (1987)
Get ready for a heartwarming and nostalgic summer adventure with “Sweet Lorraine, ” released in 1987. Set in the picturesque Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, the movie follows the lives of the staff and guests at The Lorraine as they spend unforgettable summers together.
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2. The Unbelievable Truth (1989)
The Unbelievable Truth, ” a compelling 1989 film directed by Hal Hartley, explores the life of an ex-convict as he faces the strange reality of returning to his hometown. After serving time for homicide, the man is met with a bewildering truth – nobody in his town remembers the facts of his crime, replaced instead by rumors and local legends. The comedic drama centers around a mechanic (Robert John Burke), an ex-convict seeking redemption and the chance to rebuild his life.
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3. Trust (1990)
Trust” is a riveting film directed by Hal Hartley, set on Long Island, New York in 1990. When Maria loses her home and ends up in an abandoned house, she unexpectedly encounters a married woman named Catherine, who laments not having children. As Maria becomes involved in Catherine’s life, she discovers the truth behind a surprising and shocking incident involving the kidnapping of a baby.
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4. Simple Men (1992)
Simple Men, a thought-provoking film released in 1992, is a delightful blend of crime, drama, and romance genres. The film, directed by Hal Hartley, features a talented cast including Robert John Burke, Bill Sage, and Martin Donovan.
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5. Cinefile: Made in the USA (1993)
Cinefile: Made in the USA” (1993) is a captivating documentary that delves into the American independent film scene of the early ’90s. Directed by Paul Joyce and Chris Rodley, this film showcases the creative and diverse voices that emerged during this era. From interviews with renowned directors such as Robert Altman and Allison Anders to discussions with up-and-coming talents, the documentary provides a unique insight into the indie film landscape.
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6. Clerks (1994)
Clerks” is a hilariously groundbreaking comedy film written and directed by Kevin Smith, released in 1994. The movie follows the day-to-day lives of two convenience clerks, Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, portrayed by Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson respectively. The film delves into the unusual bond these two characters share as they amuse themselves with customers and conversations about movies.
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7. Love Four (1994)
Love Four” is a delightful romantic comedy that takes a fun and lighthearted look at the ups and downs of love and life. Set in 1994, the film follows a group of spirited individuals as they navigate their complex romantic tangles, all while discovering what truly matters in relationships. The talented ensemble cast of Aedon Young, Ray Anthony Gordon, and Andrew Paul Sharpe brings this heartwarming and engaging tale to life under the direction of John-David Hutchison.
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8. Amateur (1994)
Amateur, directed by Hal Hartley, is a darkly comedic tale revolving around an amnesiac trying to rediscover his identity. Set amid the gritty backdrop of New York City, the film follows the protagonist as he encounters two intriguing women: Isabelle, a former nun turned erotic writer, and Sofia, a porn star. As the protagonist delves deeper into his past, he becomes entangled in a web of crime, desire, and self-discovery.
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9. Flirt (1995)
Flirt” is a thought-provoking drama that weaves together three tantalizing love stories set in New York, Berlin, and Tokyo. Director Hal Hartley masterfully explores lovers’ ultimatums as each character is faced with a difficult decision that could change their life. The movie delves into the complexities of relationships, the emotions that surround them, and the consequences they can bring.
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10. Henry Fool (1997)
Henry Fool” is a unique blend of comedy and drama, expertly crafted by director Hal Hartley and released in 1998. The story follows an introverted garbageman as he finds inspiration in the literary musings of a mysterious tenanted basement.
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11. Divine Trash (1998)
Divine Trash, ” a documentary released in 1998, delves into the life and career of Baltimore filmmaker and midnight movie pioneer, John Waters. The film includes interspersed clips from his earliest films, as well as interviews with various individuals from the industry and beyond.
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12. Too Tired to Die (1998)
Too Tired to Die” is a witty and imaginative journey through the life of a young Japanese man named Keith. Filled with fantasy and comedy, this film delves into the depths of what life’s short journey might mean when Death becomes an unexpected companion. When Keith realizes he has only twelve hours left, he faces his mortality head-on, and the unexpected encounters provide laughter, romance, and a dash of the bizarre.
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13. In Bad Taste (2000)
In Bad Taste” takes viewers on a journey through the outrageous and unforgettable career of legendary filmmaker John Waters. This documentary delves into the lives of actors and fellow filmmakers, offering a unique perspective on their collaboration and influence. The tragic life and untimely death of iconic actor Divine are also explored in detail, providing fans with new insights into the man behind the makeup and the characters he brought to life on the silver screen.
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14. No Such Thing (2001)
No Such Thing is a captivating 2001 film directed by Hal Hartley that explores the boundaries of fantasy and reality. The story revolves around a young journalist who embarks on a quest to find her missing fiancé in the enchanting land of Iceland. Along her journey, she encounters a mythical creature that challenges her beliefs and brings her face-to-face with an unexpected fate.
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15. The Cloud of Unknowing (2002)
The Cloud of Unknowing is a chilling drama that follows a young doctor named Michael as he becomes convinced that the spirit of his late wife has taken up residence in one of his hospital’s troubled patients. As he delves deeper into the mysterious occurrences, the line between reality and supernatural becomes increasingly blurred.
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16. Milk and Honey (2003)
Milk and Honey, ” a 2003 drama directed by Joe Maggio, delves into the deeply personal and interconnected lives of strangers crossing paths in New York City. The film captures the essence of chance encounters, exploring the unique moments that bind humanity despite their differences.
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17. The Girl from Monday (2005)
The Girl from Monday” is a thought-provoking satire comedy from 2005, directed by Hal Hartley and written by him as well. Set in a near-future world, the film explores a society where people are content to be traded on the stock exchange, treated as mere commodities. This intriguing premise forms the backdrop for a captivating story about a young woman navigating the complexities of her world.
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18. Fay Grim (2006)
In an intriguing blend of suspense, dark humor, and action, “Fay Grim” finds Fay Grim (Parker Posey) ten years after the events of “Henry Fool. ” Coerced by a mysterious CIA agent (Jeff Goldblum), Fay is tasked with locating notebooks belonging to her elusive and fugitive ex-husband (Josh Lucas). These notebooks carry secrets that could compromise the security of the U. S. , prompting Fay on a dangerous quest across Paris to retrieve them. This unique continuation of Hal Hartley’s original story offers a thrilling and unexpected journey, taking audiences on a rollercoaster ride through heart-pounding action sequences, laugh-out-loud moments, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
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19. The Inner Life of Martin Frost (2007)
The Inner Life of Martin Frost, ” directed and penned by novelist Paul Auster, is a darkly comical exploration of the art of writing. Starring David Thewlis, Irène Jacob, and Michael Imperioli, the film follows internationally acclaimed author Martin Frost as he leaves the bustling city for a peaceful country house to complete his latest novel. Upon arriving, he finds himself in an unexpectedly unusual situation which challenges both his creativity and his beliefs.
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20. Collaborator (2011)
Collaborator is a captivating 2011 comedy-drama-thriller film that chronicles the intertwining lives of a struggling playwright and a right-wing ex-con, both of whom have just experienced significant challenges in their personal lives. The film’s plot revolves around the chance run-in between the two, which triggers an explosive and unforgettable series of events.
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21. My America (2014)
My America” is a riveting, critically acclaimed drama-musical masterpiece that premiered in 2014. Directed by the talented Hal Hartley, this unique film is composed of an eclectic series of twenty-one compelling monologues penned by prominent American playwrights. Each monologue serves as a fragmented mirror, offering a diverse and multi-dimensional exploration of the American psyche.
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22. Ned Rifle (2014)
Ned Rifle is a compelling drama that follows young Ned’s journey to seek vengeance from his father, who has destroyed his mother’s life. With his sights set on retribution, Ned embarks on a dangerous path fueled by anger and betrayal. However, his quest is disrupted by the intrusion of the enigmatic and provocative Susan, whose involvement in Henry’s past complicates matters further. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into the complex web of the Rifle family’s secrets and the lengths one is willing to go for justice.
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23. El Planeta (2021)
El Planeta, a gritty yet heartwarming comedy-drama set in the aftermath of the Spanish financial crisis, follows a mother and daughter duo as they navigate their way through life’s challenges. Faced with impending eviction and their desperate need to maintain the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to, the two bond over their shared loss and grift together to make ends meet.
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24. Adrienne (2021)
Adrienne” is an intimate documentary that dives into the life and legacy of Adrienne Shelly, a talented actress and filmmaker in the indie film world. Directed by Andy Ostroy, the film takes viewers on a journey through Shelly’s beginnings as the muse of Hal Hartley’s indie classics to her rise as the writer and director of the critically acclaimed “Waitress. ” Featuring interviews with key figures in Shelly’s life, including Sara Bareilles, Robert John Burke, and Nathan Fillion, “Adrienne” provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look at her passion for storytelling and her lasting impact on the industry.
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