Love Stories Told with Simple, Sharp Cinematography

Hal Hartley garnered international attention immediately after the release of his feature debut, "The Unbelievable Truth," in 1989. His second film, "Trust" (1990), won the Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Furthermore, "Simple Men" (1992), which will be screened this time, was selected for competition at the Cannes Film Festival, and "Amateur" (1994) won the Silver Award in the Young Cinema Competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival, earning him high praise worldwide.


His distinctive style, which portrays the naive love affairs of men and women set against his home ground of New York with simple, sharp visuals, also gained popularity in Japan in the 1990s. To commemorate the release of "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love," Hartley's first new film in five years and his first Japanese release in thirteen years, three of his past masterpieces will be shown concurrently. Notably, "The Unbelievable Truth," his debut work, was never released theatrically in Japan and was only available on video, making this its long-awaited theatrical premiere.

Director Hal Hartley

Released in the U.S. in 2011, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" stylishly depicts the relationships of a jazz drummer who dedicates himself to helping others in Manhattan, employing a restrained, minimalist touch reminiscent of his early works. The lead role of the jazz drummer is played by D.J. Mendel, a frequent collaborator in Hartley's films, and Miho Nikaido, Hartley's muse and former wife, also appears.

"The Unbelievable Truth"

"Simple Men"

"Amateur"

Joseph Seeks Social Success, But...──

Joseph, a jazz drummer living in Manhattan, has many friends and engages in various businesses utilizing his versatile skills, such as importing eco-windows, writing novels, producing commercials, and fixing all sorts of things.


Though Joseph pursues social success, none of his endeavors seem to bear fruit. However, through fleeting encounters with various people, he gradually begins to form deeper connections.

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Love"

The new film "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" captivates with its depiction of New York's streets and people, alongside the universal themes of mutual kindness and hope found in everyday life that run through Hartley's work. In celebration, we can fully immerse ourselves in Hartley's world along with his past masterpieces.

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Love"

Now Showing at Shinjuku K's Cinema and other venues from Saturday, January 25th

Director & Screenplay | Hal Hartley

Starring | D.J. Mendel, Danielle Meyer, Miho Nikaido, Constance Fleury

Distribution | J.V.D.

2011 | USA | 59 min



"The Unbelievable Truth"

Now Showing at Shinjuku K's Cinema and other venues from Saturday, January 18th

Director & Screenplay | Hal Hartley

Starring | Adrienne Shelly, Robert Burke, Christopher Cooke

Distribution | J.V.D.

1989 | USA | 97 min



"Simple Men"

Now Showing at Shinjuku K's Cinema and other venues from Saturday, January 18th

Director | Hal Hartley

Starring | Robert Burke, William Sage, Karen Sillas, Elina Löwensohn, Martin Donovan

Distribution | J.V.D.

1992 | USA | 106 min



"Amateur"

Now Showing at Shinjuku K's Cinema and other venues from Saturday, January 18th

Director & Screenplay | Hal Hartley

Starring | Isabelle Huppert, Martin Donovan, Elina Löwensohn, Damia Young, Chuck Montgomery

Distribution | J.V.D.

1994 | USA, UK, France | 106 min


© POSSIBLE FILMS