This film is so deceptively constructed that it took me a few
viewings to completely get it. Not the most inviting recommendation for a film, but even at first look, there is much
to enjoy. The music is superb, the performances outlandish and
entertaining, and the take on politics and race relations truly
incisive. For example, kidnapping really was a political tool in
1930's Kansas City; Blondie's (Jennifer Jason Leigh) real crime
is kidnapping a politician's wife for personal reasons. Though
his contempt for romanticism is truly bitter, this remains one
of Altman's best films.
viewings to completely get it. Not the most inviting recommendation for a film, but even at first look, there is much
to enjoy. The music is superb, the performances outlandish and
entertaining, and the take on politics and race relations truly
incisive. For example, kidnapping really was a political tool in
1930's Kansas City; Blondie's (Jennifer Jason Leigh) real crime
is kidnapping a politician's wife for personal reasons. Though
his contempt for romanticism is truly bitter, this remains one
of Altman's best films.