Synopsis

Robert Altman, who passed away in 2006, made several music-related films throughout his career—from Nashville to his final work, A Prairie Home Companion. While making Kansas City in 1996, Altman recreated the atmosphere of a 1930s jazz club from his hometown through this unique musical film. In the 1920s and 30s, Kansas City was one of the most important music cities in America, with countless clubs filled nightly with the sound of swing and blues. Naturally, music became the heart of the film. Altman invited great contemporary jazz musicians such as David Newman, Ron Carter, and Joshua Redman to reinterpret the music of legends like Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. He later compiled a second film composed solely of their live performance scenes. Narrated by singer and actor Harry Belafonte—who also appeared in Kansas City—this 70-minute documentary captures a joyful moment in the history of big band jazz.

Director

Robert Altman

Born in 1925 in Kansas City, Robert Altman began receiving critical acclaim in 1970 with his genre-defying film M*A*S*H, marking the beginning of his signature deconstructionist style. His genre experimentation continued in films like Vincent & Theo (1990) and The Player (1992). His use of overlapping narratives and ensemble casts to explore modern society is prominently showcased in Nashville (1975) and Short Cuts (1993). He passed away in 2006 at the age of 81, leaving A Prairie Home Companion (2006) as his final film.