Continuing one of the richest collaborations in modern American cinema, director Kelly Reichardt (Certain Women) reunites with star Michelle Williams for this marvelously particularised portrait of a sculptor’s daily work and frustrations in an artists’ enclave in Portland. Lizzy (Williams) struggles to put the finishing touches on her latest pieces for a gallery show, all the while juggling admin work at the local art school; dealing with the neglect of her well-meaning landlord (Hong Chau), who also happens to be a rising-star conceptual artist; and tending to the emotional well being of her increasingly fragmented family.

The Garden Cinema View:

Kelly Reichardt’s Showing Up did not, and will not, get an official UK cinema release. Nor was it acquired for an online launch by any streaming service. You will not see any critic reviews in mainstream UK press outlets beyond coverage from festival screenings almost two years ago. There will be no poster campaign on the Tube. Whilst it is alarming and saddening that the new work of one of the most important American filmmakers of the past 15 years should be treated in this way, The Garden Cinema is very happy and proud to be able to offer this film as a de facto new release, with a number of screenings from 16 February.

Showing Up is a quiet film which takes the time to build a sense of place and character, so that relatively small narrative developments land with significant weight in the final act. As ever with Reichardt, her camera is constantly draw to small moments in order to transition from scene to scene. Here, the constant making of art is emphasised; focused creativity within the rather idyllic space of the art school. Currents of wry humour and a certain tension also underpin this slice-of-Oregan-art-life.

Cast:
Michelle Williams, Hong Chau, Maryann Plunkett, John Magaro, André 3000