Hal Hartley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hal Hartley (b. November 3, 1959, Lindenhurst, New York) is an American film director and writer, and a pioneer of the independent film movement who was educated at the State University of New York at Purchase.

His films are often noted for their deadpan acting style and dialogue that is simultaneously philosophical and humorous. He often composes and performs the music for his films under the pseudonym Ned Rifle. Unlike most feature film directors, Hartley also makes many short films, which have been collected in DVD anthologies.

Hartley's unique style has helped him develop a cult following. Many of his films have recurring themes, including settings on Long Island, where he was born; discomfort with technology; and foreigners at odds with local culture. He also uses many of the same actors repeatedly, including Robert John Burke, Martin Donovan, Elina Lowensohn, Karen Sillas, Damian Young, and the late Adrienne Shelly.

In 1997 Hartley was made Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic (Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres).

[edit] Filmography

• The Unbelievable Truth (1989)
• Trust (1990)
• Surviving Desire (1991)
• Simple Men (1992)
• Amateur (1994)
• Flirt (1995)
• Henry Fool (1997)
• The Book of Life (1998)
• No Such Thing (2001)
• The Girl from Monday (2005)
• Fay Grim (2006)

[edit] External links

• Hartley's website
• What Ever Happened to Hal Hartley? 2005 article about Hartley's career since Henry Fool.