Implied Harmonies

Hal Hartley chronicles his collaboration on the Dutch National Opera's 2008 production of Louis Andriessen's La Commedia. Interviews with Hartley, Andriessen, and several others are shown, as well as frequent sequences of Hartley's assistant, reading aloud letters from Hartley which express his needs and doubts about his ability to successfully complete the project. We also get short snippets of footage that Hartley shot to accompany the production. There's some insight into the great I've and collaborative process here, and a certain fascination in seeing Hartley attempt something clearly outside his comfort zone. That said, only fans of Hartley or Andriessen are really going to take an interest in this one.