Hal Hartley grew up in Lindenhurst, and became a key figure in the American independent film movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Between 1989 and 1992, he made The Unbelievable Truth, Trust, and Simple Men, three films set on Long Island that established him as one of the most original independent filmmakers of his time. Hartley’s fictions are brought to life by remarkable performers, including Adrienne Shelly, Robert John Burke, Martin Donovan, Parker Posey, and Bill Sage - and helped launch the careers of a number of actors, including Shelly, Donovan, Posey, Edie Falco, Karen Sillas and Elina Löwensohn.

With their distinctly original approach to language, imagery, music, and performance, Hartley's films drew on and playfully subverted the traditions of European arthouse cinema and classic Hollywood. Marked by a deadpan romanticism, they were populated by philosophical drifters who may work as mechanics or small-time thieves, but whose conversations are filled with existential asides and pungent observations. Hartley’s is a cinema of ideas and feelings that asks you to think about what you’re watching at the same time as you’re enjoying it.

Join us for a special retrospective of the works of Long Island filmmaker Hal Hartley! Featuring screenings of his greatest works including the Long Island Trilogy: The Unbelievable Truth, Trust, & Simple Men - along with another of his indie gems: Henry Fool - which will be projected on 35mm.

We are thrilled that Hal Hartley will be joining us in-person on August 25th to kick off the series with a Q&A following a special 35mm screening of The Unbelievable Truth, moderated by series programmer David Schwartz. Hartley will also sign copies of his acclaimed and delightful new novel, Our Lady of the Highway, which was named one of the Best Indie Books of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews.

Hal Hartley Retrospective

The Unbelievable Truth (1989)

35mm Screening, with Q&A with director Hal Hartley in-person!

One of the most original voices to emerge from the American Independent scene of the 1990s, Hal Hartley's first feature and one of his most beloved comedies follows Audry (Adrienne Shelly) a teenager who is disturbingly preoccupied with the threat of nuclear destruction. She falls in love with Josh (Robert Burke) , a handsome ex-con who is rumored to have murdered the father of his high school sweetheart. A warm-hearted satire about idealistic young love, capitalist moralizing in the home, and the need for work one loves.

The Unebelievable Truth debuted at CAC, when it was still called the New Community Cinema, back in 1989. Check out this old piece in the Long Islander, discussing the film's debut

With director Hal Hartley in-person!

Friday, August 25th at 7:30 PM

$12 Members | $17 Public

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Hal Hartley Retrospective

Trust (1990)

Hosted by David Schwartz

The central film within Hal Hartley’s acclaimed Long Island Trilogy, Trust is a deadpan love story centering on two misfits from the Long Island suburbs. Matthew (Martin Donovan) is a dangerously idealistic electronics wiz so fed up with his job that he puts his manager’s head in a vise, and Maria (Adrienne Shelly) is a high school dropout who has just been kicked out of her home after learning that she’s pregnant. The film is told with Hartley's characteristic verbal dexterity and mordant wit - a hilarious and moving analysis of family violence and the moral courage it takes to defeat it and assume faith in others. Swinging between melodrama and absurdist satire, this understated gem is regarded as one of the essential American Independent films of the 1990's.

Sunday, August 27th at 2:15 PM

$10 Members | $15 Public

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Hal Hartley Retrospective

Simple Men (1992)

Hosted by David Schwartz

Hal Hartley’s third feature, and the bookend of his Long Island Trilogy, follows two brothers: Dennis (Bill Sage) a quietly handsome and bookish college student, and his older brother, Bill (Robert Burke), is a rough-hewn ladies' man and thief. They come together to search for their long-lost dad, a pro ballplayer-turned-terrorist, but become sidetracked after meeting hip epileptic Elina (Elina Lowensohn) and her pretty sidekick, Kate (Karen Sillas). Together they confront their expectations of each other, themselves, and their attitudes towards women.

Wednesday, August 30th at 7:30 PM

$10 Members | $15 Public

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Hal Hartley Retrospective

Henry Fool (1997)

35mm Screening! Hosted by David Schwartz

Hal Hartley continued his dazzling run of ’90s indie greats with this bawdy epic which took the Best Screenplay award at Cannes. Self-conscious garbage man, Simon Grim (James Urbaniak), endures a colorless life with his depressed mom and oversexed sister, Fay (Parker Posey). That is until he's befriended by their new tenant, Henry Fool (Thomas Jay Ryan). Though depraved, conceited, and lazy, Henry has a way with words and he inspires his new friend to write a book length poem that catapults the awkward binman to literary fame.

Thursday, August 31st at 7:30 PM

$10 Members | $15 Public

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