After 50 Years, Still The "Citizen Kane" Of Our Generation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Over a month ago, David and I went to the Paris Theater to take in a 50th Anniversary screening of Robert Altman's masterpiece "Nashville."  I cannot believe fifty years have gone by, because I remember when it came out, and how it floored me.  It was as groundbreaking then as "Citizen Kane" was in 1941, and it still is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        I have to tell you, darlings, even with my bladder issues, I sat unmoving for the entire two hours and forty minutes.  I wouldn't miss a frame.  And "Nashville" is one of those films that has to be seen on the big screen.

                        Now, for those who have never seen the film, I say stop reading right here, as I will continue with references that should surprise you when seeing it for the first time.

                           Can enough things be said about "Nashville?"  No, though it is oddly prescient how it holds up in today's times.

                            Most seeing "Nashville," initially or repeatedly come away with just two words--Ronee Blakley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Miss Blakley, as Barbara Jean, with her heartbreaking realness and a voice to equal it, is the eye of the hurricane around which the remaining characters of "Nashville" revolve.  Not to say that pros like Karen Black and Barbara Harris do not make stupendous musical contributions.  But "Nashville" would not have the gravitas it has without Blakley, who is also the film's sacrifical lamb.

                               While everyone else is screaming out their belief in the goodness of America, Barbara Jean is not a hypocrite, but a genuine believer.  Which is why she is the inevitable choice for the horrendous tragedy that happens near the end.

                                   I could see "Nashville" any number of times and still enjoy it.  I have it on DVD, which will help if my bladder worsens--I can sit for two hours, but not much more.

                                   Still, I would risk an accident not to miss any frame in "Nashville."

                                   It still remains America's explanation to itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!