Robert Altman

Robert Altman

Born:February 20, 1925

Place of Birth:Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Died:November 20, 2006

Known For:Directing

Biography

Robert Altman, born on February 20, 1925, was a visionary American film director and screenwriter whose unique approach to filmmaking left an indelible mark on the industry. He was celebrated for his highly naturalistic style, often blending it with a distinctive and stylized perspective that set his work apart from others in the field. Altman's contributions to cinema were so significant that in 2006, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored him with an Academy Honorary Award, recognizing his outstanding body of work.

One of Altman's most iconic films, "MASH" (1970), not only became a critical and commercial success but also solidified his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to push boundaries and challenge conventions. Following the success of "MASH," Altman continued to captivate audiences with films like "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" (1971) and "Nashville" (1975), both of which were later selected for preservation in the prestigious United States National Film Registry.

Altman's directorial style was characterized by his use of ensemble casts, overlapping dialogue, and a penchant for exploring the intricacies of human relationships. His films often delved into complex social and political themes, offering audiences a thought-provoking and immersive cinematic experience. Altman's ability to capture the nuances of everyday life on screen set him apart as a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail.

Throughout his career, Altman collaborated with some of the industry's most talented actors and actresses, fostering a creative environment that allowed for improvisation and spontaneity on set. His commitment to authenticity and realism in storytelling resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the world of cinema.

In addition to his directorial work, Altman also made significant contributions as a screenwriter, crafting narratives that were as compelling as they were thought-provoking. His scripts were known for their sharp wit, incisive social commentary, and ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with honesty and depth.

Altman's impact on the film industry extended far beyond his own work, influencing generations of filmmakers who admired his innovative approach to storytelling. His legacy continues to inspire artists to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore new ways of engaging with audiences through the power of cinema.

On November 20, 2006, the world lost a true visionary with the passing of Robert Altman. However, his films remain a testament to his talent and creativity, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come. Altman's groundbreaking contributions to cinema have secured his place as one of the most influential and revered filmmakers in the history of American cinema.

Images

Robert Altman
Robert Altman
Robert Altman

Filmography

Acting

Endless Love

Endless Love

Hotel Manager

1981

As their romance unfolds, Jade and David's growing love for one another becomes the scorn of Jade's father. However, when Jade's grades begin to drop, her father forbids the young couple from seeing each other for 30 days. Driven insane with frustration and desire, David attempts to reverse the decision, with catastrophic results.
The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

Ambulance Driver (uncredited)

1973

In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Man Drinking (uncredited)

1947

Walter Mitty, a daydreaming writer with an overprotective mother, likes to imagine that he is a hero who experiences fantastic adventures. His dream becomes reality when he accidentally meets a mysterious woman who hands him a little black book. According to her, it contains the locations of the Dutch crown jewels hidden since World War II. Soon, Mitty finds himself in the middle of a confusing conspiracy, where he has difficulty differentiating between fact and fiction.

Production

M*A*S*H

M*A*S*H

Director

1970

The staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and hijinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war.
The Player

The Player

Director

1992

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?
Popeye

Popeye

Director

1980

Popeye is a super-strong, spinach-scarfing sailor man who's searching for his father. During a storm that wrecks his ship, Popeye washes ashore and winds up rooming at the Oyl household, where he meets Olive. Before he can win her heart, he must first contend with Olive's fiancé, Bluto.
The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

Director

1973

In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.
Gosford Park

Gosford Park

Idea

2001

In 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.
Nashville

Nashville

Director

1975

The intersecting stories of twenty-four characters—from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress—connect to the music business in Nashville, Tennessee.
Short Cuts

Short Cuts

Director

1993

Many loosely connected characters cross paths in this film, based on the stories of Raymond Carver. Waitress Doreen Piggot accidentally runs into a boy with her car. Soon after walking away, the child lapses into a coma. While at the hospital, the boy's grandfather tells his son, Howard, about his past affairs. Meanwhile, a baker starts harassing the family when they fail to pick up the boy's birthday cake.
3 Women

3 Women

Producer

1977

Two co-workers, one a vain woman and the other an awkward teenager, share an increasingly bizarre relationship after becoming roommates.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

Screenplay

1971

A gambler and a prostitute become thriving business partners in a remote Old West mining town until a large corporation arrives on the scene.
Prêt-à-Porter

Prêt-à-Porter

Writer

1994

During Paris Fashion Week, models, designers and industry hot shots gather to work, mingle, argue and try to seduce one another.
Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

Producer

1994

Dorothy Parker remembers the heyday of the Algonquin Round Table, a circle of friends whose barbed wit, like hers, was fueled by alcohol and flirted with despair.
A Wedding

A Wedding

Producer

1978

Muffin's wedding to Dino Corelli is to be a big affair. Except the ageing priest isn't too sure of the ceremony, only the families actually turn up as the Corelli Italian connection is suspect, security guards watch the gifts rather over-zealously, and Dino's grandma expires in bed just as the reception starts. Could be quite an occasion.
Kansas City

Kansas City

Producer

1996

A pair of kidnappings expose the complex power dynamics within the corrupt and unpredictable workings of 1930s Kansas City.
California Split

California Split

Producer

1974

Carefree single guy Charlie Waters rooms with two lovely prostitutes, Barbara Miller and Susan Peters, and lives to gamble. Along with his glum betting buddy, Bill Denny, Charlie sets out on a gambling streak in search of the ever-elusive big payday. While Charlie and Bill have some lucky moments, they also have to contend with serious setbacks that threaten to derail their hedonistic betting binge.