mgem1200

I wanted to think this was going to be good. Altman is not everyone's style but I wasn't biased going into against him. Gould is a fairly good actor so it should have been good. What happened? Hayden is great when sticking to a script but ad lib scripts can only be done by masters and Hayden starts the beginning of the free fall. Gibson is wasted in a typical Altman style bizarre role. The take off all your clothes scene was tense and the story was starting to make a little sense until the next scene of Gould running down the street and hit by a car. I thought seriously this is where the film would end. Why not? But the final act is too quick, too whatever. If you want a whodunnit, don't try this. If you want to admire Altman in 1973, then it's gold. Incidentally, this film must hold a record for cigarette smoking. I don't know how a forty year old Marlowe could chase a car on Wilshire Blvd. Yet smokes all day lighting one from another. Ok, but not 8 out of 10 - to me just a 6. Sorry, Altman.

If you enjoy on-location movies, the setting of 1964 Seattle in glorious black and white is the view here. The workings of emergency response systems from that era are fascinating when compared to today. So many people places and efforts to save one life will either impress you or make your eyes roll at the extremity. The set decoration and wardrobe were nominated for AA and you can see why. Some imperfections: The disco scene is a bit strange considering to the squareness of the characters. The purpose of Ed Asner's character seems a bit unnecessary too. Outside those slightly unusual faults, the film is excellent in its drama. The film is owned by Anne Bancroft with Sidney Poitier shining as usual. Recommend.