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On Risselada's Wall

I wanted to thank you again, Riss, for introducing me to Henry Fool. On a rewatch, I really want to say that it's one of the greatest American films I've ever seen. Within its runtime it encapsulates everything. Rise of genius and fall of mediocrity in an an Amadeus-like exchange, and the great tragedy of seeing what one might have been - I don't think there's much worse than being Salieri, capable of recognizing one's own failure. I wonder, what do you think of Fay Grim? I'm a bit scared to see what Hartley imagines Henry makes of himself after the film ends, because I have such a clear idea of it myself (that is, nothing - I find it a very sad film).
 
Picture of Malkin

Malkin

29Jul12

Risselada likes this

  • Picture of Risselada

    Risselada

    3Aug12

    Yaaaay! I'm so glad you like it. Here's the thing about Fay Grim. It sounds like you haven't seen it yet? I like the film, but it's actually a totally different genre. In fact I think you will be disappointed if you think of it as a strict continuation of Henry Fool. It has the same characters as Henry Fool, but I don't think it's honestly the real trajectory of the characters from that film. It's fun to watch Fay Grim and imagine all of this hidden stuff that was happening in Henry Fool. But I think when you go back in Henry Fool you shouldn't try to look for clues in it that point to Fay Grim. This is just my guess, but I don't think he had them in mind when he was making it.