This is the longest review I’ve written and I think that is a testament to the size of the film. Additionally I still can’t stop thinking about the film and small specific moments that I didn’t really think about when I was watching the film itself.
The Grand Ole Opry stuff in here is so interesting to me. The camera sits there, putting you in the crowd, but its so bright it doesn’t feel like a concert, it feels more like a middle school auditorium. Additionally the lack of movement in the stage compared to the people getting up and moving around during the show makes it feel like something that is way past its prime. It never tries to show the Opry in an amazing way — it just presents it how it is. That is really a metaphor for the entire film in a way. Most Altman films are tapestry’s showing a large picture within many tiny parts, but this may be the biggest in terms of sheer scope that I’ve seen so fat. It’s like he has control of an entire city and can shoot where-ever with whoever in whatever free form way he wants to bouncing in and out of different people’s lives. All of this causes the film to feel more like an immersive experience rather than a movie. There are also a lot of moments that feel like they belong more in ANIMAL HOUSE or the BLUES BROTHERS like everything that happens with the motorcycle guy or Lady Pearl. These moments give the film such a bizarre sheen.
Lily Tomlin was my favorite part of the film. This is some of her best dramatic acting work that I’ve seen and her scenes were the ones that kept bringing back in when I found myself losing interest in the story. I’m always a big fan of Keith Carradine and he was so, damn, smooth as Tom and really fits into his character well. “I’m Easy” really is the best song out of all of them. Ronee Blakley was another standout, my favorite moment being her somber song in the hospital. The song she sings at Opryland is also great. Shelly Duval was pretty funny. Her story is really good in terms of how she focuses more on the excitement of celebrity and rather than family, but I wish Altman played into it more. We don’t spend enough time with her character and as such she comes off pretty flat. Gerladine Chaplin also did a great job with the comedy. She reminded me of a character who could be from something like TEEN WITCH or REALITY BITES (or any ‘80s or ‘90s movie) as the best friend character. I think that had to do with her clothes and hats. She had great moments, but ultimately I found the character really annoying.
The strip scene is so fucking sad. I teared up by the time it had finished. I don’t get why Altman feels the need to be really mean to certain female characters. He does the same thing to Houlihan in M*A*S*H*. The scene is so dirty and lascivious and Altman doesn’t put us in Sueleen’s POV about how gross this all is, but rather we are spectators of the song and dance — just like we were in the Opry scene, we’re in the audience. I wish I could figure out what Altman is trying to say here, and ultimately I don’t think there is any greater theme, it’s just stuff that happens. Still this was handled better than the moment in M*A*S*H* and I think that has to do with the writing from Joan Tewkesbury.
What Altman is fantastic at is directing the image. His choices of where to point the camera and the characters is so masterful. I specifically love how he shoots the “I’m Easy” scene.
I think another reason I had a hard time connecting with the film is all the political stuff that the film surrounds itself with, which the film really zooms in on and says it is the most important part. It also tries to examine a famous person’s relationship with politics and how it telegraphs to the public. Those really are the three main characters: Fame, Politics, and the Audience. It reminded me of the political backdrop in SHAMPOO. I also think seeing so many rallies and the political upheaval of recent years that I am just burned out of it. I probably would have dug stuff more if I hadn’t of watch it right now.
Also, Karen Black reminded me a lot of Jennifer Coolidge and Dave Peel reminded me so much of Jesse Plemons. I couldn’t stop seeing them in my head.
