Famously opening with possibly the longest continuous single crane shot in cinematic history (eight minutes) with the pre-credits rolling, shot outside a major studio and its parking lot and known as the ultimate anti-Hollywood 'Hollywood' movie, this is Robert Altman directing with a grip of iron. Almost over-directed for my taste, the camera swoops, rises and peeks at more A-listers than you'd get in two dozen blockbusters. Not having seen it in four years but with many many other films under my belt, I was keen to re-hear both the subtle and unsubtle jokes and jibes about the Studio 'scene'. All our A-listers make them, suffer them or just hang about thinking them up. One of the best has to be (executive travelling in his Merc convertible, on car-phone; it's the end 80's, start of 90's, all flash cars) talking to his associate, Tim Robbins (lead actor in this) "I'm on my way to my AA meeting." "Oh...I didn't know you had a drinking problem" "Ah, well. I haven't. I don't. It's just that's where all the deals are made these days. Not bars". So, not a comedy, as such, but entertaining stuff and the ending is as predictably anti-predictable that one can predict. It's aged well and Short Cuts aside, which meanders over its three hours, this is modern, witty, well made and concise. Yes; an Altman film that doesn't have the cast speaking whenever they feel fit and a script that they have to follow, even at two hours it's got a manageable story that twists, turns and bristles with actors you've seen in almost similar roles. For movie buffs, the often, occasional credibility-busting film references and how they're strung together is almost hypnotic. Hollywood loved it, as it's in it and stars in it. But they don't love themselves, at least not in this. And that makes it enjoyable. You might not take the movie as seriously as it mockingly thinks it is/isn't and is at times a little shallow. All in all though, The Player is a modern great and a must-see for all serious film fans.
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A young Hollywood producer (Tim Robbins) is receiving threatening postcards from an unknown writer, one of many whose scripts he had rejected. He confronts the writer (Vincent D'Onofrio) he suspects of sending the postcards and accidentally kills him but disguises it to look like a robbery gone bad. Shortly thereafter, he begins receiving threatening postcards again. Directed by the great Robert Altman, this dark and wicked satire is one of the best movies about Hollywood ever made. It can stand proudly next to SUNSET BOULEVARD and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. The screenplay by Michael Tolkin (based on his novel) is outrageous enough to bring a grin to your face but still enough of the truth to sting. Altman manages to get stabs in without being bitter. The opening tracking shot with no cuts whatsoever lasting almost 8 minutes is Altman's homage to Welles' TOUCH OF EVIL which is openly referenced in the film. The cast includes Whoopi Goldberg, Greta Scacchi, , Peter Gallagher, Lyle Lovett, Dina Merrill, Dean Stockwell, Richard E. Grant, Brion James and Gina Gershon. And a mass of actors and celebrities playing themselves including Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte, Anjelica Huston, Burt Reynolds, Karen Black, Harry Belafonte, Cher, James Coburn, John Cusack, Jack Lemmon, Lily Tomlin, Scott Glenn, Robert Wagner, Jill St. John, Teri Garr, Elliott Gould, Jeff Goldblum, Andie MacDowell, Rod Steiger, Mimi Rogers, Felicia Farr, Steve Allen, Marlee Matlin, Joel Grey and Louise Fletcher. The Paramount DVD (via Great Britain) is a handsome 1.85 anamorphic transfer.
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another classic which has not lost anything over the years! Greata as always takes her kit off but if u r as hot as she was back the y not?
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This is full of great moments, great shots, great humor. It's almost a truly great film. But the few moments it gets too smug and/or cartoony for it's own good take a tiny something away from the 90% of the time it brilliantly walks the thin, nearly impossible line of perfect satire. When it tries to be funny, it pushes a little hard. But when it just observes the absurdity with a clinical, `this isn't too far from reality' eye, it's quite amazing. Even with it's minor flaws, a terrific film, and a must see film for any Altman fan - or film fan for that matter. The opening shot alone is worth the movie!
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Bought it for Cher. Good to see her briefly. The rest... Boring
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The Amazon listing states this dvd features a commentary w/Robert Altman & michael Tolkin, however i enquired this with a seller and there is none on this dvd edition (there is also now another review featuring a complaint). I just bought and watched the earlier dvd (w/original Tim Robbins poster on front cover) and all special features are present, the commentary is very good as is the 16 min featurette (a one on one w/Altman), i even like the trailer (it uses the music to great effect). Also worth mentioning is the picture quality, which is excellent.
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One of the best Robert Altman films. Back in the 90's nobody wanted to finance this film. We should be grateful Altman manage to make this film. A satirical film about Hollywood. Dont miss
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Outstanding film that sticks in the mind
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