Beginnings episode 104: Hal Hartley

On today's show we talk to filmmaker Hal Hartley. Since his first feature film, 1988's The Unbelievable Truth, Hal has been creating stylistically singular narratives that are rich in deadpan humor and poetic, measured dialogue. Since then, he has explored this style further with 11 more features and garnered a number of nominations and awards from places like Sundance and Cannes. Hal is also a musician and has created the soundtracks for most of his films.

A few weeks ago, Hal welcomed Mark and Andy into his apartment in the shadow of LaGuardia's flight paths to discuss space in comedy, mechanical structures vs. story structure, how directing a film is like running a construction site, and stories of Hartley family mishaps. And in the wrap-up, Andy and and his fiancee share some stories of their own mishaps.

Also, check out our new website for Beginnings, subscribe on iTunes and see us live at the Del Close Marathon on June 29th with DC Pierson and Billy Merritt and live at UCB East on July 2nd with Wyatt Cenac, Mandy Stadtmiller (deputy editor of xoJane), musical guest Xenia Rubinos and a special guest from the world of hip hop!