“Chelsea Walls” marks Ethan Hawke’s directing debut. The very artistic independent film takes place in the famous Chelsea Hotel in New York City. The hotel is filled with struggling artists ranging from writers to musicians.
Recognizable actors such as Kris Kristofferson and Uma Thurman (Hawke’s wife in real life) are featured in the film. It is hard to figure out who the main character is, because all of the characters’ roles seem to blend together.
The film is visually pleasing, but it may require a second viewing to understand all of the different story lines.
The soundtrack, composed by Jeff Tweedy of the critically acclaimed band Wilco, plays a large role in setting the tone for the film. The music is featured throughout most of the film and serves as a background to dialogue between characters.
This film might not be for everybody, but it is a must if you are a fan of Jeff Tweedy.