Hello I Must Be Going (2012 film)


Hello I Must Be Going is a 2012 American comedy-drama film written by Sarah Koskoff and directed by Todd Louiso. It stars Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Abbott and Blythe Danner. The film had its world premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, and was released theatrically in the United States on September 7, 2012. The title is a reference to a song from the Marx Brothers' film Animal Crackers.
Speaking of the casting decision of Lynskey in the lead, director Todd Louiso said, “I knew if I cast her, the film had the potential to resonate on a thousand different levels.” After Lynskey's audition, “there was no one else.” The role represented a career breakthrough for Lynskey, who had previously played in numerous supporting roles. In Hello I Must Be Going, she appears in every scene.

Synopsis

In the midst of a divorce and condemned to move back in with her parents at the age of 35, Amy Minsky's prospects are looking bleak. She's depressed, out of work, and fed up with everybody's so-called "advice", but a secret love affair with a handsome 19-year-old gradually reinstates her self-esteem.

Cast

Filming took place primarily in Westport, Connecticut in August 2011. The shoot lasted 20 days.

Reception

The film received positive reviews from critics; it currently holds a 75% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 51 reviews, with the site's consensus stating: "Hello I Must Be Going offers an offbeat twist to the romance genre, a solid character study for fans of grown-up drama, and a career-making breakout vehicle for Melanie Lynskey." USA Today called it "a funny, well-written, involving and emotionally honest tale." Particular praise was given to Lynskey, with The Seattle Times calling her performance "a master class in acting." The Washington Post commented that " succeeds almost entirely on the strength of Lynskey's heartfelt and humorous performance," while Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Lynskey inhabits the role so completely, brings such exquisite naturalness to her performance, that she becomes someone we root for unreservedly."

Awards

The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, and was named one of the Top Ten Independent Films of 2012 by the National Board of Review. Lynskey's performance earned a nomination for Breakthrough Actor at the 2012 Gotham Awards.

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack was released on September 11, 2012. It features instrumental and vocal material by American singer/songwriter Laura Veirs.
  1. "I Can See Your Tracks "
  2. "The Fox"
  3. "Where Are You Driving "
  4. "Little Lap Dog Lullaby"
  5. "July Flame "
  6. "Make Something Good"
  7. "Tumblebee "
  8. "Drink Deep"
  9. "Prairie Dream "
  10. "Carol Kaye "
  11. "Song My Friends Taught Me"
  12. "Little Deschutes "
  13. "Silo Song "
  14. "Spring Song"