Short Cuts (1993)

The day-to-day lives of several suburban Los Angeles residents.

Director:

Robert Altman

Writers:

Raymond Carver (writings), Robert Altman (screenplay)

Stars:

Andie MacDowell, Julianne Moore, Tim Robbins

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 17 wins & 17 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Andie MacDowell	...	Ann Finnigan
Bruce Davison	...	Howard Finnigan
Jack Lemmon	...	Paul Finnigan
Zane Cassidy	...	Casey Finnigan
Julianne Moore	...	Marian Wyman
Matthew Modine	...	Dr. Ralph Wyman
Anne Archer	...	Claire Kane
Fred Ward	...	Stuart Kane
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Lois Kaiser
Chris Penn	...	Jerry Kaiser
Joseph C. Hopkins	...	Joe Kaiser
Josette Maccario	...	Josette Kaiser
Lili Taylor	...	Honey Bush
Robert Downey Jr.	...	Bill Bush
Madeleine Stowe	...	Sherri Shepard

Storyline

Nine short stories relocating the settings from Carver's Northwest to Los Angeles during a spraying of malathion brought on by a Medfly epidemic - intercut tales of disconnection and emotional emptiness. The stories concern variations upon the theme of Los Angeles angst --a happily married couple, Ann and Howard have to deal with the deep emotions felt when their child, Casey is struck by a car before his birthday and lapses into a coma, while the baker Andy of their child's neglected birthday cake sinks into a rage and torments them in their grief. Three men Stuart, Gordon and Vern leave on a much anticipated fishing trip, only to discover the drowned body of a nude woman floating in the river and decide to finish their fishing trip and ignore the corpse. A Los Angeles cop, Gene uses his badge as an excuse to cheat on his wife, Sherri. A pool cleaner Jerry resents his wife, Lois for her part-time job as a phone sex performer. A waitress, Doreen is devoted to her limousine driver ...

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Plot Keywords:

no panties | strip | labia | skinny dipping | female pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

Short Cuts raises the roof on America

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic sexual language, and for nudity

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 1993 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Vidas cruzadas

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$106,553, 3 October 1993, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$6,110,979

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fine Line Features, Spelling Films International, Avenue Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

188 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (as Dolby Stereo) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robert Altman, Robert Downey, Jr., and Robert DoQui all have the same first names.

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Goofs

Gene Shepard throws a rock through his mistress's living room window while she's away on vacation. Yet when she comes back, the window is unbroken.

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Quotes

Gene Shepard: That was a 35 dollar belt!

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Connections

References Stand by Me (1986)

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Soundtracks

I'm Gonna Go Fishin
(1959)
Music by Duke Ellington
Lyrics by Peggy Lee
Published by CHAPPELL AND CO. DIC/ASCAP
DENNLOW MUSIC. ASCAP
Performed by Annie Ross and The Low Note Quintet

User Reviews

One of my all time favorite films.

Well, I've watched this film about seven times now, and I feel quite certain that I can add it to the list of my favorite films alongside Dr. Strangelove and The Red, White and Blue Trilogy.

The casting is flawless, with fantastic performances by Jennifer Jason Leigh, Julianne Moore, Peter Gallagher, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey, Jr. and many (I mean *many*) more. The camera floats around the world of these characters with perfection, tapping each on the shoulder and providing precious and oh-so-interesting insight into their happiness (or lack thereof, for the most part), sadness and their emotions.

See this film. You will not regret it. I have my fingers crossed for a special edition DVD of Short Cuts.