Tanner '88

Terrific for those looking for a hidden Altman masterwork. It shares many traits with Altman's best (i.e. _Nashville_, _Short Cuts_, and Three Women_, etc.): strong ensemble acting, overlapping dialogue, quirky sense of humor, lots of serendipity. The political insider's perspective - which we must credit to Trudeau - only adds to the fun. _Tanner_ gains greater richness of character and narrative as it unfolds. Here's hoping Tanner runs again

Following fictional US presidential candidate Jack Tanner (Michael Murphy) for the Democratic party during the real 1988 election, Tanner '88 is one of the most interesting political comedies I've seen, while also one of the most rigidly dated series I know of. Originally airing sporadically during / leading up to said '88 election on HBO, the series was pitched as if Tanner was a true candidate for the real run, and even included cameos from active politicians, as well as a finale seemingly filmed at / during that year's Democratic National Convention. Created by cartoonist Garry Trudeau, directed by Robert Altman (M*A*S*H*), and produced by both, the scripts were apparently only mostly written, with much improvisation / pick ups on the day to fill out the scenes. It feels very documentary, although with constantly interesting angles and camera movement I must say, and we're often given long takes of conversational talking, with lots of background noise and obfuscation. It makes everything feel quite real, almost unedited, like we're watching the behind-the-scenes of a real campaign, which is obviously exactly the what the series is going for. Of course this strength is also its ultimate weakness, as the series is so rigidly locked in the campaign that unless you yourself experienced it, or have a vast interest in politics, you won't get most of the Dukakis, Kennedy, Reagan, and Dole humour. All in all, what we get feels like if NPR tried to make a comedy, and I mean that in the best ways. If its your type of thing you're going to love it, I thought it was quite good and certainly impressive.

This is a funny mockumentary of a very liberal congressman-Tanner among other things wants to legalize all drugs-running for president in 1988. The key feature of this work is it is an artful blend of fictional characters and situations along with real politicos and stuff that happens on campaigns. I was too young in 1988 to really remember the presidential race so I got a lot of laughs when I mixed up who was real and who was fake. (Kitty Dukakis is a good actress!)

The humor of this work is bone dry; its central criticism of the campaign process as being concerned with mere appearances rings louder today. Tanner is a great satirical character-it's never really answered why he is running for president because at the end of the day the answer is probably vanity. Like most Altman works this has the ensemble and multiple plotlines aspects where is feels like you are looking into a group of lives. Tanner is the central focus but a half a dozen or so stories are present. I especially liked the ongoing drama with TJ (campaign manager) and Ted Kennedy.

In a lot of ways this touches on Altman's central concerns and sensibilities. It is a cross section of both America and wide range of people-most episodes are literally in different states and there a dozens of people in this work. It has the great unresolved quality of so much Altman. The series ends on a plot cliffhanger while feeling complete as a commentary. It has the disappointment in and cynicism of American politics. It has the musical interludes. The direction is very much the fly on the wall free flowing camera Altman does so well.

I think people who aren't use to Altman's style or want a quick feel of his body of work would do well to start with this. Because this is episodic it is more accessible than Nashville. Altman wasn't wrong to think of this as his most creative work-it has the controlled chaos that defines the best parts of his work.

Where the whole world is holding its breath because of the upcoming 2004 election, it is refreshing to watch this TV series. Not only because of the superb acting of Pamela Reed & Michael Murphy and each and every one of the ensemble (something we almost take for granted with Altman pictures, which always give sublime acting) and the great writing, but also because it gives non-Americans some insight in Political USA.

Inspiring and clarifying, it makes one wonder first of all why it's always the wrong movie people that get elected in politics. Wouldn't we all be much more relaxed if USA politics had a bit of the Altman-touch to it...

Unfortunately, the inspiration of this Maverick doesn't seem to reach the oligarchy in power. Altman DOES show us that TV can be fascinating and uplifting, even though he got curtailed, which will keep us wondering how that 12th episode that was never shot would be like.

Does this TV-series, which is over before one knows it and doesn't seem to take the 12x 30 minutes it says on the DVD jewelbox, draw a true picture of political USA ? Being from Europe I sincerely hope not, but I'm afraid it is even worse than Tanner is showing us. 'Let's not tell too much and focus on the face'.

And even worse, after globalization and sugarfrosted horrors for breakfast, the 'old world' is quickly picking up on this terrible excrescence too...

Robert Altman and Garry "Doonesbury" Trudeau teamed up to create this unforgettable look at American politics -- an ongoing series about Tanner, a fictional candidate for president, filmed against the backdrop of the real race (primaries, conventions, etc.) with real politicians playing themselves and interacting with the characters.

This one is as brilliant, funny and thought-provoking as the best of the writer and director's solo projects. All the performances are terrific -- Pamela Reed, in particular, shows why she's one of the most interesting American actresses working today.