25/11/2006 - Robert Altman 1925-2006
Yesterday I quoted a poem from the American writer Raymond Carver. Several of Carver’s short stories were made into the movie Short Cuts by director Robert Altman. This American legend died this week, 81 years old.
I have only seen four of Altman’s movies: Short Cuts, Pret-a-Porter, Gosford Park and recently, A Prairie Home Companion. Altman’s movies are an absolute delight, not only for the audience, but just as much for the actors. Not only is the cast always impressive, all players seem to enjoy playing their roles tremendously. I especially remember They're Not Your Husband, one of Carver’s best stories, in which Earl, an unemployed salesman, overhears male customers talking about his waitress-wife, Doreen, and discovers that it matters to him what they say. Lily Tomlin and Tom Waits have made this scene a very memorable one.
Lily Tomlin also plays one of the Johnson Sisters in A Prairie Home Companion, and just like Meryl Streep, the other Johnson Sister, it is very obvious how much she is enjoying this role.
(For A Prarie Home Companion, see also entry 6 November)
Robert Altman has often been called ‘the actors’ director’ and he welcomed their contributions. He was considered one of the great innovators of Hollywood cinema. Based on the movies I’ve seen, I can clearly understand why. Asked why he was still making movies at this stage in his life, he said that he would get bored if he wouldn’t do it.
‘I do what I do and I don't have any plans to stop, but history tells us that I will stop.’
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