The late Peter Bogdanovich appears in his last performance in an oddball, globetrotting adventure in pursuit of one thing: Willie Nelson. Written, directed and starring Eva Hassmann, Willie and Me tracks a Willie Nelson obsessive’s trip around the world to see the country legend’s farewell concert in Vegas. Along the way, Hassmann’s character Greta gets close to an Elvis impersonator (Blaine Gray), overcomes a snakebite, hitchhikes, steals a Porsche and, seemingly, commits at least one act of arson/insurance fraud. Willie’s worth it, after all.
This is Hassmann’s feature debut as a writer/director, though the German performer boasts a prolific acting resume. Willie and Me is inspired by Hassmann’s own relationship with Nelson, whose music has been important to her since childhood. One imagines that this personal connection makes Nelson’s (dual) appearance in the film all the more important to its creator.
Paste can exclusively reveal the trailer for Willie and Me, filled with Nelson tracks, blow-up dolls and broad comedy.
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Bogdanovich’s appearance in the Willie and Me trailer is brief, garish and sarcastic — what else did you expect from the filmmaker/ascot enthusiast? His hotelier’s loud vest and classic tinted shades almost overshadow his single line, which fits right into the trailer’s goofy vibe. Bogdanovich always loved a screwball. Revealing the film’s journey as ultimately successful, the trailer also shows a snippet of Nelson. “Mr. Nelson, your music always made me move forward when I wanted to give up,” Greta tells the musician. “I’m sure that was all in you,” he replies.
Also appearing in the film are Darby Stanchfield, Thure Riefenstein and Carlos Leal. Willie and Me will be released by distributor Quiver Distribution into theaters and onto VOD platforms on February 9.
Jacob Oller is Movies Editor at Paste Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter at @jacoboller.
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