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Altman is an in-depth look at the life and times of a filmmaker that gave us such films as M*A*S*H, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Nashville, The Player, Gosford Park, and many more. While refusing to bow down to Hollywood`s conventions, or its executives, Altman`s unique style of filmmaking won him friends and enemies, earned him worldwide praise, and occasionally scathing criticism, and proved that it is possible to make truly independent films.
 This is Ron Mann’s ninth feature documentary (and first ever at Venice) and it has already generated terrific critical praise. Variety Chief Film Critic Scott Foundas wrote, “Ron Mann takes the maverick Robert Altman on his own terms – and in his own words – in a stirring, comprehensive tribute.”
Altman features a long list of guest appearances including by: Julianne Moore, Lily Tomlin, James Caan, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman, Keith Carradine, Bruce Willis, Philip Baker Hall, Lyle Lovett, Paul Thomas Anderson and the late Robin Williams. They all contribute something and there is so much to say about the famed director who passed away in Hollywood in November of 2006.
The very term “Altmanesque” has come to denote a cinematic style characterized by dark humor, chaotic choreography, overlapping and sometimes murky dialogue, multi-layered storylines, iconoclastic characters, omniscient cinematography, and a seat-of-the-pants ensemble approach to imagining and crafting a film. With the late director himself acting as guide, Altman takes the audience on an expansive and revelatory road trip through the highs and lows of this uncompromising visionary?s life and career.
Altman will have its premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, September 1. It will open in Toronto (after the Toronto International Film Festival is over) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 19. Click for more Canadian movies Now Playing and Coming Soon. |
