IMAGES

Susanna York’s performance in Images earned her the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.  It was a well-deserved honor.

THE LAUNDROMAT (1985)

Straight out of the gate, I admit that this entry is not a feature film directed by Robert Altman.  Instead, The Laundromat is a television film directed by Robert Altman!  This movie first aired in 1985, during the early years when the burgeoning pay channel, HBO, began producing original content.  It marked the third collaboration between Altman and Carol Burnett, and it was for this reason that I included it in my 2025 Altman film journey.

KANSAS CITY

Kansas City (1996) is a modern noir film that delves into themes of crime, class, relationships, racism, and politics, all woven together by the soulful backdrop of live jazz music.  The soundtrack is mesmerizing, creating a seamless flow of music that starts from the opening scene and continues through to the closing credits.  While the film's execution may be a bit uneven at times, it leans a tad more toward success than failure.

BREWSTER MCCLOUD

Brewster McCloud (1970) was everything I hoped for when I set my 2025 goal to watch all of Robert Altman’s films.  The movie’s poster promises that it’s “different”—and it truly is.  It’s bizarre and also deeply thought-provoking and darkly humorous, with an edge that lingers long after the credits roll.

POPEYE

As part of my quest to watch all of Robert Altman's films, Popeye was one I approached with low expectations.  Honestly, I selected it early on... simply to get it out of the way.  When the film was released, the reception was far from enthusiastic, and at the time, I didn't have the film-viewing acumen to fully appreciate the immense talent of Robin Williams or Shelley Duvall.  Because of that, I always had a nagging sense that I would hate it.  But now that I've seen it, I can honestly say that not only did I NOT hate it… I found it surprisingly charming!  While it's not without its flaws, Popeye ultimately serves as a heartfelt and well-executed tribute to the classic Fleischer Studios Popeye the Sailor cartoons from the 1930s and 1940s.

3 WOMEN

3 Women (1977) is a captivating and enigmatic psychological drama from the mind of Robert Altman, who both wrote and directed this thought-provoking piece. If you're expecting a conventional plot you’ll most likely be disappointed. However, if you crave a film that challenges you to think and feel deeply, this movie delivers in spades.  3 Women stands out for its experimental narrative, with a storytelling style that invites open interpretation.