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After meeting writer John Raymond through a mutual friend, Reichhardt adapted one of his short stories into the breakout film Old Joy. She also based her next film, Wendy and Lucy, on the story of Raymond, who co-wrote her screenplay. This is her first work with actress Michelle Williams, a fruitful and beloved combination of actor and director.”Showing Up” is her sixth collaboration with Reichhardt and Raymond. Yes, it’s her fourth collaboration with Williams.
Still, “Showing Up” is set in Portland, where many of her previous films were shot, but this one is unique because she paints a loving portrait of the city’s art world. has a comical talent. Williams plays Lizzie, a sculptor preparing for her next show. Unfortunately, her chaotic personal life often hinders her ability to focus on her work. Her simple administrative post at her old art college offers little artistic satisfaction. Her friend, landlord, and her fellow artist Jo (Hong Chau) is also prepping for her two shows, thus ignoring the broken hot water. Her very divorced parents (Marian Plunkett, Judd Hirsch) are also artists and can’t be in a room together without arguing. And her brother Sean (John Magaro) is out of order or working on “earthwork.”
“Showing Up” is an ironic character study filled with Reichardt’s trademark attention to detail, brought to life by the exquisitely animated performances of the entire cast, but largely portrayed by Williams and Chau. It is through Lizzie and Joe’s complex relationship that is revealed.
In this month’s Featured Female Filmmakers column, RogerEbert.com spoke to Reichhardt about the authentic atmosphere of Portland, her longtime collaborators John Raymond and Michelle Williams, her first time working with Hong Chau, and her techniques for photographing artists at work. bottom.
I read Janet Weiss [from Sleater-Kinney] We did a location survey.
Yes she did.
I loved how it felt very real about Portland. It also had this beautiful soundscape. What process was involved in capturing this authentic Portland vibe?
I wrote the script around the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, which closed down just before shooting. A beloved facility. Over 110 years old. There were several different locations. But this place has probably been around since the late 70’s/early 80’s. Great spot, really sad it’s leaving. It has been a big problem for the ceramics community for decades. It was an empty school, so I wrote the script in the hope that it would somehow work. They basically let us use the school when the pandemic shut it down. And the apartment where Lizzie and Joe live in is our friend. We know everyone who lives on that street and a friend of ours built those apartments at one time for an artist friend. Everyone has lived in that apartment once. Janet is not only a great drummer, but a great location person. And I love that you write that because people in places don’t get credit.t
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