Almost classic comedy

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2005)

Basis for the very long-running TV series "MASH".
It's an absurdest, surrealistic view of a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) stationed in Korea. It primarily involves the antics of three surgeons in the unit played by Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould and Tom Skeritt. It's a very episodic film that shows that people in order are complete idiots and everyone working for them knows it. This was made in 1970 and making fun of authority figures was very popular then.
This film is easily one of Robert Altman's best. It moves quickly (the 2 hours speed by), has a GREAT cast and has his trademark overlapping dialogue--yet you hear exactly what you're supposed to (somehow). It seems strange but this movie has you laughing while showing you graphic operating room sequences (which are cut down in the PG version). The antics of these guys are very immature and childish--but that's how these guys keep their sanity. Despite myself I was laughing. A highlight was when one man intends to commit suicide--take a look at the "Last Supper" he has.
I don't totally like this movie because Altman's sexism comes roaring through twice. The character of Major "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Sally Kellerman) is treated horribly. While she is having sex at one point the guys slip a mike under her bed and broadcast it to the whole camp. That's not funny. Even worse is when they rig the shower curtain to fly up while she's in it--it publicly, humiliatingly exposes her. Seeing her crying and screaming while trying to crawl away nude is not funny just sick. I've seen this multiple times in movie houses and no one has ever laughed at either scene. They're just too cruel and Altman seems to enjoy it. Kellerman deserves credit for maintaining her dignity despite these sequences.
Because of those scenes I can only give this a 9. Still, this is mostly a great comedy. Much better than the later TV show.