I wrote the booklet essay for Olive Films’ limited edition of Milos Forman’s Hair, which will be released on 6/30, and is now available for pre-order. Check out the list of special features (besides my essay, I mean). It looks like it’s going to be great! Excited to be a part of it.
Great movie and excited for your essay. Growing up in the early 70’s my parents had lots of soundtrack albums of Broadway plays, movies, etc. I played a lot of them and got my love of film and music from them. I played the Hair LP, singing along to songs that I didn’t even know were taboo subjects for a preteen. (Sodomy, Colored boys, etc.)
When it came out, I was excited to see how this music I’d loved was going to look on a big screen. It was a revelation – I loved the energy, the humor, seeing the horror of the Vietnam war interpreted onto film. Two of my favorite parts are the horses dancing in Central Park at the beginning, and the Twyla Tharp choreography in the church wedding scene. The director had a brilliant eye for set pieces. I also had a big crush on Treat Williams for a while after seeing him sing and dance. I guess I need to find what streaming platform is running this and check it out again.
Pat – haha singing along to “Sodomy” as a child! I did the same thing.
// Two of my favorite parts are the horses dancing in Central Park at the beginning, and the Twyla Tharp choreography in the church wedding scene. //
SO good. Love those scenes. I also love the scene where Treat Williams dances on the table at that snooty party – and Charlotte Rae – Mrs. Garrett!! – is all fluttery with lust and who can blame her?
That final scene when Treat Williams marches into the plane is just devastating – a brilliant scene.
It was really fun to write on it – especially in re: the adaptation to the screen. The original play was really just a “happening” – minimal plot. Because the movie was made long after the “Summer of Love” ended – you can feel that heartbreak and despair in the film – since those days were long over when the film was made.
Love the movie! Also love that the director was not American-born. Often “outsiders” can see “us” with more clarity than we can see ourselves.