Altman's Magnum Opus

Rating: Null/10 (14 April 1999)

Robert Altman's films can be hit or miss. This is a total grandslam, both as a piece of entertainment and a revolutionary film. For 1970, both the dialog and the camera work were WAY ahead of its time. The scrappy but natural dialog and "innocent bystander" camera views remind one of the TV series NYPD Blue. In 1970, few if any movies, even "R" rated ones, used the "F" word, though Altman refused to compromise this masterpiece. Don't expect the smooth witicisms and sitcom-like plots from the TV show, this film is a true work of art. Its a shame such vital characters as Duke and Painless never had big moments in the TV Show. Its also a shame that much of Altman's later work failed to live up to this great film.