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.

This televised film adapts the first act of Marsha Norman’s play Third and Oak: The Laundromat.  It presents a quiet yet compelling look at two women from vastly different walks of life who cross paths in the mundane setting of a laundromat in the middle of the night. Alberta Johnson (Carol Burnett) is a poised, dignified woman who seems strangely out of place in such a setting, while DeeDee Johnson (Amy Madigan) is a less refined character who knows the laundromat well since she lives in a small apartment above the greasy spoon diner across the street.

When DeeDee arrives, she tries to engage Alberta in conversation, but it is clear that Alberta would prefer to remain in solitude.  Slowly, however, DeeDee’s persistence breaks through Alberta’s reserve, and the two women begin to reveal more to each other, unveiling their shared experiences of loneliness.  DeeDee’s husband is distant and unfaithful, leaving her isolated for long periods, while Alberta, still grieving the death of her husband, is struggling to find her place in a world that once felt more predictable, but perhaps not entirely fulfilling.

From the moment their paths cross, the story's trajectory feels almost inevitable: two women, united by their shared isolation, will soon be drawn into vulnerable conversation, unpacking the emotional "dirty laundry" that they are living through. What could have been a predictable plot is made fresh and engaging, thanks to the stellar performances of Burnett and Madigan. Burnett, known for her comedic genius, once again proves her dramatic chops, delivering an understated portrayal of Alberta. Madigan, with her spirited and open-hearted portrayal of DeeDee, complements Burnett perfectly, making the two women’s connection feel natural and emotionally real.

The film includes just one additional character, Shooter Stevens (Michael Wright), a late-night DJ who briefly enters the laundromat to start a load of laundry before heading out to a nearby pool hall, offering DeeDee an invitation to join him. Though tempted, DeeDee ultimately stays behind with Alberta.  This subtly conveys that her conversation with Alberta is more fulfilling to her than a possible sexual hookup.

The cinematography is impressive, managing to make the confined setting of the laundromat feel spacious and alive, never once conveying a sense of claustrophobia. Though the pacing at times feels slightly uneven, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. While the film doesn’t exactly bear the hallmark of a Robert Altman production, its character-driven intimacy and quiet emotional depth leave a lasting impression.

The Laundromat is an experience much like having a prime seat at a top-tier Broadway play.  The story is a simple one.  It is a wonderful exploration of both the disconnect and the intersection between loneliness and human interaction.