The Player (1992)

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected, but which one?

Director:

Robert Altman

Writers:

Michael Tolkin (screenplay), Michael Tolkin (novel)

Stars:

Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 24 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Robbins	...	Griffin Mill
Greta Scacchi	...	June Gudmundsdottir
Fred Ward	...	Walter Stuckel
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Detective Avery
Peter Gallagher	...	Larry Levy
Brion James	...	Joel Levison
Cynthia Stevenson	...	Bonnie Sherow
Vincent D'Onofrio	...	David Kahane
Dean Stockwell	...	Andy Civella
Richard E. Grant	...	Tom Oakley
Sydney Pollack	...	Dick Mellen
Lyle Lovett	...	Detective DeLongpre
Dina Merrill	...	Celia
Angela Hall	...	Jan
Leah Ayres	...	Sandy

Storyline

Events in the life of a Hollywood studio executive, unfold with the same unrealistic positive coincidences, ultimately culminating to a "happy ending", much like the movie scripts, with which he works day in and out, after he accidentally murders someone.

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Plot Keywords:

hollywood | multiple cameos | long take | film industry | male nudity | 

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Taglines:

Now more than ever!

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, and for some sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

The roughly eight-minute opening uncut tracking shot was planned with models before production began. The area of the studio lot used was repaved so the camera dolly would move smoothly. Director Altman rehearsed the scene with the cast and crew the day before shooting began. According to the American Film Institute Catalog entry for this film, ten takes of the scene were done, although another source states it was fifteen.

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Goofs

Crew member reflected in the windows of Griffin Mill's vehicle as Griffin pulls over and kills the snake.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Man 1: [voiceover] Quiet on the set.
Woman: [voiceover] OK, everybody, quiet on the set.
Man 2: [voiceover] Scene 1, take 10. Marker.
Man 1: [voiceover] And - action!

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Crazy Credits

This film recorded digitally in a THX Sound System Theatre

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Alternate Versions

In the theatrical version there was a frontal nude scene of Tim Robbins at the hotel in the desert. This scene was removed for the cable version.

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Connections

References Gone with the Wind (1939)

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Soundtracks

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT
Theme by Michael Mark
Published by ADDAX MUSIC CO. INC.

User Reviews

Postcards from hell

At times it feels like a period piece or is it that we're so used to the horror. A world populated by the shallowest, opportunistic bunch of ignoramuses the world has ever know. How can art come out of that? I think that when it does it's just an accident of Casablanca proportions. Robert Altman who knows a thing or two about it tells us the horror story with the most everyday approach. Tim Robbins is perfect as that empty designer clothed excecutive with a tinge of self awareness. I had to take a shower after the film was over and remove myself from that world.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Player

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$302,216, 12 April 1992

Gross USA:

$21,706,101

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$21,706,101

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avenue Pictures, Spelling Entertainment, Addis Wechsler Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1