-----Original Message-----
>From: Brian Thornton <
tieresias@worldnet.att.net>
>Sent: Feb 12, 2007 10:18 PM
>To:
rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: RARA-AVIS: Re: The Long
Goodbye
>
>Terrill wrote:
>
>"Jim, you're assuming Altman thinks being a loser is
a bad thing. If you look at just about any of his films it is
pretty clear to see that he sympathizes with the losers over
the winners every time."
>
>Yeah, sure. Take THE PLAYER, for examp- oh...
uhhhh.... that is....
>
You're saying he's on Griffin Mill's side in that movie?
Interesting take. Here I was thinking Altman was being ironic
with the "happy" ending and all. Guess I better watch that
flick again, too.
(For what it's worth it always seemed to me that Altman's
sympathies were with Griffin's discarded girlfriend who makes
the mistake of trying to play somewhat straight in the film
business and ends up a great big loser at the end of the
movie. I probably have that wrong as well, but the illusion
was satisfying while it lasted.)
>Seriously though, the above statement struck me as
incredibly glib.
>
Not simply glib? INCREDIBLY glib? Damn it! And here I was
trying to be sincere for a change.
>For what it's worth, I don't think that Altman's
characters were ever "real" to him. It always seemed to me as
if for him, directing actors was a bit like moving chess
pieces around on a board, and if you've gotta sacrifice a
knight and a few pawns.... well.
>
Seems I've completely misunderstood what Altman was doing all
along. Hell, now I've got to sit down and watch ALL of his
films again. (Thanks!)
>Your Mileage May Vary-
>
>Brian
>
It does.
TL
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 15 Feb 2007 EST