A wonderful gem of a film that makes for an engaging and at times alarmingly realistic portrait of the pain that runs through the lives of a cross-section of LA residents. There is little to fault and even though the film runs at quite considerable length it moves along in a tight way some movies half its length fail to do. The acting is top rate thanks to Altman's usual eclectic bunch of misfits that only someone such as he could assemble, and pull off. The slow zooms that Altman puts into every scene add to a growing menace creeping up on you. It's a subtle thing. It works.
My favourite narrative has to be the couple played by Lily Tomlin and Tom Waits. I just love them. I love the look on Tom Waits face when he says 'with a broke yoke'. The unease of Anne Archer's face when she realises how long her husband left the body underwater whilst continuing to fish. This in itself is a horrifying revelation about how our priorities become distorted. The way Andie MacDowell hugs Lori Singer after he son has died and the way she reacts. Her body literally taking on board the sadness and loss. But there are many moments of hilarity and the craziness and spontaneity of life. The dog on the side of the bike. The mixing of photos. More than anything the film is a wonderful mixed bag. You see many stories and some you take away and some you leave behind. All are very much insightful about our lives. Spend time with this film.
My favourite narrative has to be the couple played by Lily Tomlin and Tom Waits. I just love them. I love the look on Tom Waits face when he says 'with a broke yoke'. The unease of Anne Archer's face when she realises how long her husband left the body underwater whilst continuing to fish. This in itself is a horrifying revelation about how our priorities become distorted. The way Andie MacDowell hugs Lori Singer after he son has died and the way she reacts. Her body literally taking on board the sadness and loss. But there are many moments of hilarity and the craziness and spontaneity of life. The dog on the side of the bike. The mixing of photos. More than anything the film is a wonderful mixed bag. You see many stories and some you take away and some you leave behind. All are very much insightful about our lives. Spend time with this film.