Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction

As a fan of HDS, I was looking forward to a factual documentary and a celebration of his work, but this collection of clips, old songs and ramblings was deeply irritating. We kept giving it another five minutes to see if it would come up with something interesting, new or informative, but it never did. We gave up after about 30 minutes.

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction (2012)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

This documentary takes a look at character actor Harry Dean Stanton but if you're expecting something normal then you're certainly not going to get that. Stanton admits that he's a loner and a man of few words so allowing a documentary crew in might seem strange but it makes for a rewarding film.

Stanton doesn't say too much in the film and there are times where he says he doesn't want to discuss certain things like his parents. Later, some stories come out about his parents as he is discussing his working style and we learn small bits of information about him. Throughout the documentary he briefly touches upon a few of his films as well as his relationship with the likes of Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando who he worked with on THE MISSOURI BREAKS.

The film also offers up some great moments where Stanton sits down with the likes of David Lynch and Kris Kristofferson. These small conversations are a lot of fun and it really helps you see a bit more into the actor. The likes of Wim Wenders, Debbie Harry and Sam Shepard are also interviewed here and share their thoughts on why Stanton is so special.

Again, if you're expecting some sort of documentary that covers every aspect of Stanton's life and career then that's not what this is. In fact, very few of his movies are discussed yet we do get to hear him say that he regrets not doing more stuff musically in his career. We also get few different songs performed by the actor and they were actually very good. HARRY DEAD STANTON: PARTLY FICTION is a fascinating movie and one that his fans should enjoy.

I saw this twice in the theaters - a rarity for me. The film is part musical (Harry sings quite a few songs), part verite (days in the life of an unsung hero in showbiz), and part retrospective of the man's career. I found this to be a wonderful change of pace from the run-of-the-mill documentary we see every day. Great black and white photography and very interesting conversations with Kris Kristofferson, David Lynch and others. Harry does not 'spell' anything out for you, so don't come looking for answers! Some of the best moments come when we see Harry drinking at his local bar and mingling with the patrons. Make sure you watch the credits for his wonderful rendition of Danny Boy.' Overall, this film is something refreshing and different for those seeking new and unusual ways to piece a documentary together.

Intriguing and uniquely strange insight into the life and more properly the thinkings and philosophies of the man. Whilst the film does look at a number of his films and acting style, particularly Paris,Texas, the subject is almost incidental. What you get is largely face time with Stanton as he ponders his life and thinking, punctuated for probably half the film with him singing, rather beautifully, I might add, a significant number of great old songs. He does talk briefly about acting, film making and friends from the industry - it's nice to see him and Kristofferson chat lovingly - and interestingly, Stanton's assistant advises that whilst he is to a degree the Forrest Gump of the film world, make no mistake, he works very hard to get things right.

So not your typical movie type documentary, but grab a glass of Tennessee Whiskey, sit back and let it wash over you.

HDS was a talented actor playing mostly supporting roles but nevertheless making an impression and the only thing we discover with this "documentary" is that he was also a good singer.

His craft does not make him a particularly interesting man. In fact, he struck me as a very uninteresting person with little or nothing to say and/or incapable of saying anything of relevance.

Or maybe it's the grating, annoying style of the "documentary" that doesn't do him justice.

Filled with out of focus random images, super-fast editing and - mercifully - some clips from HDS movie - the "documentary" present zero structural narrative and it's nothing more than a very suspicious case of the director's style being more relevant than her subject matter.