Distinctly Montana Magazine

begin his perilous slide into obesity) and his penchant for reinventing his character on the fly contributed to an already troubled production, and resulted in what contemporary critic Edward Canby called "an out of control performance" from the star (one disturbing anecdote from the shoot had him take a bite of a live frog and throw it back into the water). He also decided on flourishes for his character that contradicted the rest of the script, which was to be shot after Brando's material. Without an ending and desperate to wrap the film, Penn and Nicholson brought in a noted script doctor who came up with the ending as realized and though at the time the film did not do well it has come to be regarded as an important, if somewhat cultish, contribution to the American Western. Perhaps the movie's oddness is not as perplexing when we consider that its unconventional screenwriter (McGuane) also wrote the comical anti-Western Rancho Deluxe, shot largely in the Gallatin Valley in 1975. Like Missouri Breaks, Rancho DeIuxe takes pleasure in upending traditional ideas about the West. It also veritably bristles with stars, from an early starring role for Jeff Bridges to a hilariously offbeat Slim Pickens as the questionable but highly recommended stock detective that never fails to get his man. Innovative "HATCH"-fest, Oct. 2-5 Given Montana's community of creative and talented residents it comes as no surprise that the state hosts a number of film festivals, from the International Wildlife Film Festival, which is in its 36th year, to the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, now going for 11 years. An intriguing one is "HATCH" of Bozeman. Since its formation in 2004 by director and designer Yarrow Kraner, HATCH has sought to be not just a film festival but a self-described "think tank" — with Montana as the amazing backdrop for the annual summit. Its philosophy is that the festival should be a learning experience for everyone involved, an aim it achieves by inviting both "mentors," successful industry professionals from various fields, and "groundbreakers," creative people from all over the world. Their interaction over the four-day event always proves to be both invigorating and inspired. Previous Mentors include Wes Studi, Bill Pullman, Michael Keaton, Chris Eyre, Peter Fonda, Margot Kidder, Nolan Bushnell and others, while the Groundbreakers, over 500 in all so far, have gone on to produce award-winning art in a diverse range of fields. While not only a film festival, HATCH has also hosted not just the Montana but often the worldwide premiere of both fictional movies and documentaries. A modest financial success in its day, the movie also featured a bestselling country music soundtrack by Jimmy Buffett. His song "Livingston Saturday Night" was written for the film, and the scene in which it was featured was shot in Livingston's own Murray Bar. Buffett can be seen flanked by his friend McGuane and the late musician Warren Oates. The Murray is still there, and still hops on a Saturday night. Many Montana movies are westerns, but certainly not all. Some are fascinating inversions of the Westerns, Westerns turned inside out, if you will. Some are forgotten sci-fi classics. Some of them are the first projects of burgeoning talents, poised to break out. Some have only gained an appreciative audience with time. These are examples of the kind of audaciously creative, star-studded projects that Montana seems to inspire. And though it has served as the stage for a handful of iconic films like Mr. Redford's, it has attracted productions of every variety. One thing, though, is certain: these movies are as united by the creativity of their talented filmmakers and the brightness of their star wattage as they are by the always astonishing natural beauty of their Montana locations. SMART SOLUTIONS FOR LIGHT AND SOUND Business HOme events specialists in automated lighting and computer-driven sound systems 30 406.932.5400 www.5400.tv D I ST I NCT LY M ONTANA • FALL 2013

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