See Hear Podcast Episode 132 - Nashville

See Hear Podcast Episode 132 - Nashville

From See Hear by Kerry Fristoe, Tim Merrill, Maurice Bursztynski

November 26, 2025 · 1h 22m · Episode 132

About this episode

This episode explores Robert Altman's 1975 film 'Nashville' as a political allegory set in the country music scene.

Backstabbing, faux-sincerity, clawing one's way to the top, class division, those at the top thumbing their noses at those further down the ladder....all political concepts, right? Actually, all of this is in reference to the 1975 Robert Altman film “Nashville” about the country music scene....which in itself serves as a political allegory. Welcome to episode 132 of See Hear. In the early seventies, Robert Altman was becoming known as a director of ensemble pieces without the usual approach to narrative. He could be seen as being part of the New Hollywood that emerged in the late 60s, but truth is, he was a film maker unto himself....as different from everything else that was going on as other directors that emerged in this period were to what came before. He already had some hugely important films like M*A*S*H and The Long Goodbye, but to many, Nashville is considered his masterpiece. It featured multiple storylines surrounding musicians, hangers on, lovers, and political strategists. The film takes place over 5 days leading up to a concert supporting a presidential candidate. In between, we musical performances that reflect the political era – some in bars, some in the Grand…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kerry Fristoe, Tim Merrill, Maurice Bursztynski

Topics covered

  • film analysis
  • political allegory
  • country music
  • New Hollywood
  • ensemble cast

Keywords

  • Nashville
  • Robert Altman
  • country music
  • political allegory
  • New Hollywood
  • ensemble film
  • 1975 film

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Nashville, M*A*S*H, The Long Goodbye

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