I saw this pleasant but ultimately unsatisfying documentary on Jan. 17, 2015 at MOMA.
The film started out promisingly enough, as Altman himself discussed his entry into the business, first as a writer, then a director of industrial films, and finally working his way into being one of the top television directors. Unfortunately, the momentum stalls thereafter. The viewer is treated to home movies, a few clips from Altman's films, and no more insight than can be gleaned from a Wikipedia article on the director.
After the screening, there was a brief panel discussion, including the film's editor, Robert Kennedy. Kennedy noted that director Ron Mann had filmed hours of interviews with many of Altman's collaborators. All that appears in the film from these interviews are brief definitions of the word "Altmanesque" offered by the subjects. What a waste.
I'll give it a six from ten for the promising start and the music score, which was the most Altmanesque part of the movie. But don't go out of your way to track this down. You'll be sorely disappointed.
The film started out promisingly enough, as Altman himself discussed his entry into the business, first as a writer, then a director of industrial films, and finally working his way into being one of the top television directors. Unfortunately, the momentum stalls thereafter. The viewer is treated to home movies, a few clips from Altman's films, and no more insight than can be gleaned from a Wikipedia article on the director.
After the screening, there was a brief panel discussion, including the film's editor, Robert Kennedy. Kennedy noted that director Ron Mann had filmed hours of interviews with many of Altman's collaborators. All that appears in the film from these interviews are brief definitions of the word "Altmanesque" offered by the subjects. What a waste.
I'll give it a six from ten for the promising start and the music score, which was the most Altmanesque part of the movie. But don't go out of your way to track this down. You'll be sorely disappointed.