Robert Altman

**Marty** · #1 11-21-2006, 08:59 AM

Director of "MASH", "Buffalo Bill & The Indians", "The Long Goodbye", the brilliant "Nashville" and the equally superb "The Player", Robert Altman died today.

One of the real visionary directors American cinema has given the world, singularly unique in his approach to projects, Altman had a surgeon's skill in terms of cutting right through the fat to the heart of any subject.

Very Sad Day.

Obit From the BBC

Set Avatar · #2 11-21-2006, 09:06 AM

He also did films like Gosford Park and Prairie Home Companion. It's nice to hear the Academy awarded him with a lifetime achievement award this year before he passed on.

Very sad news about such a talented man.

At least we have so many of his great works to remember him by.

May he rest in peace.

Gregory · #3 11-21-2006, 10:15 AM

Bob Altman will be missed. RIP

Set Avatar · #4 11-21-2006, 10:48 AM

I admired the way he could keep several simultaneous threads weaving through one extended scene. It seemed like he could toss off a "Godfather wedding party" at will.

Set Avatar · #5 11-21-2006, 11:41 AM

What a sad news!

I really enjoyed his movies. He was good at taking a very conventional story and make it very unconventional.
He will be missed a lot...
Stephane

mikeg · #6 11-21-2006, 01:41 PM

A wonderful talent. RIP.

johnofphilly · #7 11-21-2006, 02:32 PM

on Mr. Altman

Carolinagirl · #8 11-21-2006, 03:11 PM

recently. I wrote it about it on the new movies thread. One of the news anchors suggested that it was a sweeter movie suggesting a possible statement near the end of his life. The movie would probably be different to me at second glance.

It is a great loss.

chadham · #9 11-21-2006, 05:27 PM

I know it was quirky, but Carol Burnett in "A Wedding" was always one of my favorites.

A very sad day indeed, but one celebrated in the memory of a person who made movies that bore a distinct signature. Thank for for making us laugh Mr. Altman!

Gregory · #10 11-21-2006, 05:57 PM

<<I own Gosford Park and saw PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION>>

I have seen PHC radio show performed live several times and was so pleased that Robert Altman brought to the big screen.

From The Prairie Home Companion website:

Robert Altman
1925–2006

"It is with great sadness that we learned of our dear friend Robert Altman's passing. Here, then, is a note from Garrison.

Mr. Altman loved making movies. He loved the chaos of shooting and the sociability of the crew and actors — he adored actors — and he loved the editing room and he especially loved sitting in a screening room and watching the thing over and over with other people. He didn't care for the money end of things, he didn't mind doing publicity, but when he was working he was in heaven.

He and I once talked about making a movie about a man coming back to Lake Wobegon to bury his father, and Mr. Altman said, "The death of an old man is not a tragedy." I used that line in the movie we wound up making — the Angel of Death says it to the Lunch Lady, comforting her on the death of her lover Chuck Akers in his dressing room, "The death of an old man is not a tragedy." Mr. Altman's death seems so honorable and righteous — to go in full-flight, doing what you love — like his comrades in the Army Air Force in WWII who got shot out of the sky and simply vanished into blue air — and all of us who worked with him had the great privilege of seeing an 81-year-old guy doing what he loved to do. I'm sorry that our movie turned out to be his last, but I do know that he loved making it. It's a great thing to be 81 and in love."

-Garrison Keillor

brooklynbabe · #11 11-21-2006, 07:11 PM

<<I have seen PHC radio show performed live several times>>

Sad news about Robert Altman. And Greg, I'm so jealous. I love Keillor, and have only seen the show live once, when he traveled to NYC on a tour.

Set Avatar · #12 11-21-2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadham

I know it was quirky, but Carol Burnett in "A Wedding" was always one of my favorites.

I agree! I own it in the Robert Altman's boxset. MASH its also a movie I love, and I really enjoyed most of his late work.
I also like "Quartet" because its shot in Montréal in a location I really love (Terre des hommes).
Stephane

George Bellefon · #13 11-22-2006, 06:38 AM

I just watched The Prarie Home Companion a few nights ago. The thing I have always liked about Altman's films was how he concentrated on character. Another great one has left us.

**sabaue** · #14 11-22-2006, 07:03 AM

I have enjoyed Mr. Altrman's films. I have never had the privilige of seeing "A Prairie Home Companion" live- I do listen to it on NPR. But I saw the film and loved it. I also enjoyed "Gosford Park" and "Nashville"
RIP Robert Altman

Edwin · #15 11-22-2006, 03:47 PM

Today's New York Times features a fine Altman obituary that is more than one full page plus a great article on Altman byu A O Scott along with many photos.

I've loved this guy since M*A*S*H and was so glad that he was honored at the most recent Oscarcast.

I've seen some of his movies such as The Player many times.

Edwin