Hal Ashby Chronicles the 70s

With due respect to Dirk Diggler, there’s never been a better film about empty sex and failed optimism than 1975’s Shampoo. As dim-witted hair stylist Warren Beatty dutifully knocks boots with Goldie Hawn, Julie Christie, Lee Grant, and Carrie Fisher, you can almost hear the cynicism of the Nixon era grabbing hold of the American consciousness. A new print of this titillating and politically tinted gem is the centerpiece of an inspired Oak Street retrospective, revisiting the career highlights of the late director Hal Ashby. He may never have picked up a Best Director prize on Oscar night—he was only nominated in the category once, for 1978’s fearless Vietnam flick Coming Home, which will be included here—but he remains responsible for some of the coolest and most distinctive movies this side of whatever Wes Anderson is working on now. From the dark comedy and unorthodox romanticism of the cult-favorite Harold and Maude to the gently intrepid satire of the classic Peter Sellers pic Being There, Ashby specialized in sharply scripted, character-driven fare.