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 & 18 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

While helicopters overhead spray against a Medfly infestation a group of Los Angeles lives intersect, some casually, some to more lasting effect. Whilst they go out to concerts and jazz clubs and even have their pools cleaned, they also lie, drink, and cheat. Death itself seems never to be far away, even on a fishing trip.

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Plot Keywords:

female full rear nudity | waitress | destruction of property | female pubic hair | female full frontal nudity | 

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Taglines:

From two American masters comes a movie like no other

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic sexual language, and for nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

In an interview, Julianne Moore revealed that Robert Altman warned her that the role of Marian Wyman had a lengthy monologue while bottomless and that her shirt wouldn't cover anything below her waist, so both sides of her would be visible most of the time as she's walking around. The very red-headed actress said she not only agreed to take the role on the spot but also told Altman that, as a bonus, she wouldn't be shaving so audiences would be able to see that her "carpet matches the drapes."

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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

Stuart Kane: Ah, Christ! That's my half supply.

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Connections

Referenced in Bar Hopping (2000)

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Soundtracks

Conversation on a Bar Stool
Composed by Bono and The Edge
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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 1993 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Short Cuts

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$6,110,979

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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