waha99

Yesterday on "This American Life", the NPR series, Ira Glass spoke of the "I'm Wishing"-type song that introduces many Disney animated features, and indeed, many musicals. Simply put, the first song of the movie establishes the dreams and wishes of the hero/heroine of the film, and then the rest of the film is about fulfilling that dream or wish.

Robert Altman doesn't work that way. As his movies begin, the "I'm Wishing" song has not only already been played, it was played several days ago and is probably more than likely forgotten. The characters of his films are already long established in their own worlds, and Altman leaves it up to us to work out the details of his film-residents. This movie is no exception: we are not introduced to the residents of Holly Springs (the setting of this story), we are simply shown the seemingly everyday goings-on of various folks and the blanks left open at the beginning of the movie are filled in gradually throughout the rest of the film.

I guess I'm not an Altman fan, although I certainly admire the way he can bring several loose parts together to unify the whole of a movie. This movie is very typical of his filmography-multi-character, story seemingly dropped in on instead of began, humorous in places, touching in others, great performances. I watched this movie several hours ago and now am thinking back on the elements I liked...Glenn Close gives one of her best performances, Julianna Moore grows into hers, Charles Dutton is masterful, Ned Beatty is reliably good as always. It's a thrill to watch Patricia Neal working, as always. Liv Tyler is good. Chris O'Donnell is merely okay, as is Lyle Lovett.

Oh, the plot? Cookie (Neal) commits suicide early in the film, and we see how various people react to her death, and how they react to other's reactions to her death.

Yes, I do recommend this film. For Altman enthusiasts it may be perfect, so give this one a chance. 6/10

Horrible, dreadful stuff. You know you're in for a film with little inspiration behind it when a mid-80's dance number in inserted in what could have turned out to be the best scene of the whole flick-the sex scene!

Sad and insipid; it makes other horror films of the 1980's look great in comparison.

Simply one of the best westerns ever made. Stewart's performance is one his very best in an almost anti-hero role; Millard Mitchell is outstanding; Robert Ryan is a superb (and snaky) villain; Meeker is an oily jerk, and Janet Leigh shines in an early role for her. The Technicolor cinematography is beautiful; it shows of the glories of the Colorado Rockies wonderfully.

**** out of four; 9/10. See this one!