Willie and Me is a 2023 German-American independent road comedy-drama film written and directed by Eva Hassmann in her directorial debut. The film stars Hassmann, Willie Nelson, Peter Bogdanovich (in his last screen appearance), Blaine Gray, Thure Riefenstein and Darby Stanchfield. The film follows a German housewife in a troubled marriage who travels to United States for Willie Nelson's farewell concert.[1] The film production began in 2013 and spent eight years due financing problems.[2]
| Willie and Me | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Eva Hassmann |
| Written by | Eva Hassmann |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Marco Cappetta |
| Edited by | Ting Yu |
| Music by | Jherek Bischoff |
Production companies | Skyvalley Productions Hassmann Production Company |
| Distributed by | Quiver Distribution |
Release date |
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Running time | 87 minutes |
| Countries | Germany United States |
| Language | English |
The film premiered at the Oldenburg International Film Festival on September 13, 2023.[3] It was released by Quiver Distribution in theaters and on demand on February 9, 2024.[4]
Cast
edit- Eva Hassmann as Greta Weingarten
- Willie Nelson as Willie Nelson/Bones
- Peter Bogdanovich as Charley
- Blaine Gray as Nick
- Thure Riefenstein as August Halsig
- Darby Stanchfield as Rebecca
Reception
editThe film received mostly negative reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 20% of 5 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.1/10.[5]
The Hollywood Reporter critic Frank Scheck gave it a positive review writing: "Much like the songs of Willie Nelson that populate its soundtrack, the film relies on a general uplifting atmosphere as the indefatigable Greta stops at nothing to fulfill her dream."[1][6] Film critic Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com gave the film one and a half stars writing: "It might have worked in spite of itself if Hassmann's performance were powerful enough to gather it all up and unify it through sheer originality and energy. But while she's an attractive, likable, sympathetic lead, there's no discernible comic point-of-view to her performance, and her physical resemblance to Madeline Kahn circa-1970s doesn't do her any favors. You may find yourself imagining what a brilliant, constantly surprising performer like Kahn, or a modern equivalent like Kristen Wiig, or an unknown who was more of a dynamo, might have done instead."[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Scheck, Frank (September 15, 2023). "'Willie and Me' Review: A Disarmingly Silly Slice of Americana, Served Up German-Style". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Solomon, Dan (February 6, 2024). "Why a German First-time Filmmaker Spent a Decade Making a Comedy About Willie Nelson". Texas Monthly.
- ^ Roxborough, Scott (August 11, 2023). "Willie Nelson Dramedy 'Willie and Me' to Open Oldenburg Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 11, 2023). "Willie Nelson Pic 'Willie And Me' Sets Spring Release With Quiver Distribution; Road Trip Comedy Marks Late Peter Bogdanovich's Final Screen Performance".
- ^ "Willie and Me | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. February 9, 2024.
- ^ "Willie and Me". www.metacritic.com.
- ^ Seitz, Matt Zoller. "Willie and Me movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com/.