Following his striking debut with The Unbelievable Truth (1988), Hal Hartley’s 1990s filmography exemplifies a particular strain of independent American cinema through the decade. His films are dialogue-heavy, performed by an almost repertory cast, laced with idiosyncratic humour, all set to a then cutting edge soundtrack of alternative bands such as Yo La Tengo.

In Trust, the wonderful, much-missed Adrienne Shelly is high school student Maria, whose unplanned pregnancy is met by her family with anger and sudden death. She meets the frustrated Matthew (Martin Donovan), with whom, despite the opposition of their families, she begins a relationship with strong foundations.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the American Independents season.