I’ve been going through Hal Ashbys filmography. Films I’ve never seen and films I haven’t seen in quite awhile. His run in the 70s stands up to anyone making films in the 70s. I’ve probably seen The Last Detail 10 times. What a film. I just saw Harold & Maude for the first time. Another masterpiece.

Like Sam Peckinpah, Hal Ashby couldn’t get much work in the 80s and even when he did, it wasn’t very good. But still, amazing filmmaker.

What’s your favorite?

Best? Might be a 3 way tie between The Last Detail, Harold & Maude, and Being There.
My favorite? Probably Shampoo... but how much influence did Beatty have on that?

I had to vote for The Last Detail but like dex14 wrote, Harold & Maude and Being there give it a run.

I don't know that it's his best, but I have always enjoyed "Bound for Glory," and have seen it many times.

The Last Detail, but it is close.

One of the many directors whose career went into decline in the 80's with the change in studio thinking.

I saw five consecutive releases of his when they came out: THE LAST DETAIL, SHAMPOO, BOUND FOR GLORY, COMING HOME, BEING THERE. I was there for Ashby's Q&A after BOUND FOR GLORY.

I remember liking all of them, but have never made the effort to re-watch a single one in the 40-50 years since. If I had to choose the one I'd most want to re-watch, it would be BOUND FOR GLORY.

As a kid I fell in love with Being There. Such a sweet film.
Harold & Maude is my sister's favorite film of all-time. I admire it, but don't fully 'get it'.

All critical smashes. I read an online article last year that said no other Director had that kind of success with back to back films so well received. I can't remember if they were talking about just the 70's or all-time. But he had quite a run that decade. My favorites in order: "Shampoo", "Being There", "Coming Home", "Bound for Glory", and "The Last Detail".

Ashby is probably the most hit-or-miss of all the "Raging Bulls, Easy Riders" crew, but The Last Detail is exquisite.

Remember when Randy Quaid was an amazing character actor? Roles in this, The Last Picture Show, What's Up Doc, Paper Moon, Bound For Glory, Midnight Express, and The Long Riders?

Sheesh