Brewster McCloud (1971)

Synopsis: Robert Altman follows up his groundbreaking hit M*A*S*H, with this zany comedy about a young man who is training to fly like a bird. Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) lives in the Houston Astrodome... Robert Altman follows up his groundbreaking hit M*A*S*H, with this zany comedy about a young man who is training to fly like a bird. Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) lives in the Houston Astrodome sports arena, where he spends his days building a winged contraption and doing pull-ups under the guidance of Louise (Sally Kellerman), a mysterious guardian angel. When a serial killer begins running rampant in Houston, ace San Francisco detective Shaft (Michael Murphy) is called in to investigate. Brewster develops a relationship with Astrodome tour guide Suzanne (Shelley Duvall), which troubles Louise, who is convinced that any real connection with another human being will ground Brewster and ruin his chances to reach a true bird-like state. As the investigation unfolds, and it appears that Brewster is not quite so innocent, which climaxes at the Astrodome where he finally tests his ability to fly. Altman's off-the-cuff direction, quick pacing, and onslaught of quirky jokes keep BREWSTER MCCLOUD fresh, entertaining, and pleasantly ridiculous throughout. Cort delivers a deadpan comic performance as the hero, as do the other standard Altman players--notably, Michael Murphy, Rene Auberjonois, Bert Remsen, and John Schuck. Not as widely heralded as Altman's other major 1970s works due to its lighthearted tone, BREWSTER MCCLOUD nonetheless remains an integral contribution to the director's catalogue. [More]

Starring: Bud Cort, Sally Kellerman, Michael Murphy, Shelley Duvall

Starring: Bud Cort, Sally Kellerman, Michael Murphy, Shelley Duvall, Stacy Keach, John Schuck, William Windom, Margaret Hamilton, Rene Auberjonois

Director: Robert Altman

Director: Robert Altman
Composer: Gene Page

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