Robert Altman Collection (1970)

Synopsis: M*A*S*H: With the release of Robert Altman's M*A*S*H in 1970, a new form of comedy was born, one that would help to forever change the face of cinema. Altman's audacious film reflected the American... M*A*S*H: With the release of Robert Altman's M*A*S*H in 1970, a new form of comedy was born, one that would help to forever change the face of cinema. Altman's audacious film reflected the American counterculture's growing distrust of religion and government in the late 1960s and early 1970s, resulting in one of the biggest box-office smashes of its time. Introducing the techniques he would employ throughout his storied career--overlapping dialogue, a constantly moving camera with a heavy amount of zooming, and a bold combination of frank subject matter with cynical humor--Altman immediately vaulted himself to Hollywood's upper ranks. Based on the novel by Richard Hooker, M*A*S*H follows a group of Mobile Army Surgical Hospital officers as they perform surgery and pass the time just miles from the front lines of the Korean conflict. Led by sardonic captains "Hawkeye" Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and "Trapper" John McIntyre (Elliott Gould), the film has the feel of an absurd three-ring circus. Other characters include the uptight nurse "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan (Sally Kellerman), the confused Major Frank Burns (Robert Duvall), the troubled Captain "Painless" Waldowski (John Shuck), and the simpleminded Captain "Duke" Forrest (Tom Skerritt). Altman's decision to present his film as a series of loosely connected vignettes rather than a traditionally unfolding narrative perfectly captures the freewheeling spirit so unique to early-'70s cinema. A PERFECT COUPLE: Alex Theodopoulos and Sheila Shea meet via a computer dating service and seem perfectly UNsuited to each other. He's an aging antique dealer from an oppressive Greek-American family that loves classical music; she's a member of a communal rock group with a tyrannical lead singer. The film revolves around their sweetly unexpected love affair, the similar pressures of their dissimilar worlds, and the music that fills their lives. QUINTET: This end-of-the-world thriller takes place during a new Ice Age when snow covers the earth, most wildlife and vegetation are gone, and wild dogs eat the flesh of the starvation victims who litter the streets. For amusement, the living play a deadly game known as "Quintet"--a macabre form of backgammon where the loser pays with his life. Paul Newman stars as Essex, a drifter who struggles to avenge his brother's death and win the latest game. A WEDDING: Robert Altman offers his unique take on the institution of marriage with this raucous comedy about a wedding reception that quickly turns chaotic. When the Corellis and Brenners--two completely opposite families--convene to watch their children tie the knot, everything seems too good to be true. But when the Brenner family matriarch dies before the reception has even begun, the boozing Dr. Jules Meecham (Howard Duff) decides that they should wait before breaking the news to friends and family, and as everyone continues to celebrate, it becomes evident that things aren't what they appear to be on the surface. Affairs are initiated and alcohol is ingested, leading up to a thunderstorm--and the most shocking secret of all. Altman assembles a Who's Who of American comediennes with this star-studded farce in which he compassionately mocks marriage and family life. [More]

Starring: Elliott Gould, Donald Sutherland, Sally Kellerman, Paul Newman

Starring: Elliott Gould, Donald Sutherland, Sally Kellerman, Paul Newman, Bibi Andersson, Desi Arnaz, Carol Burnett, Paul Dooley, Marta Heflin

Director: Robert Altman

Director: Robert Altman

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