Poster for Cookie's Fortune

Cookie's Fortune

1999, Comedy/Drama, 1h 58m

58 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Robert Altman's gift for diffuse storytelling is employed to breezily enjoyable effect in Cookie's Fortune, a mirthful caper that layers on a generous helping of Southern charm. Read critic reviews

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Cookie's Fortune Photos

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Movie Info

After learning that her aunt, an elderly Mississippi widow (Patricia Neal), has taken her own life, Camille (Glenn Close) hatches an unusual postmortem plan. With her sister (Julianne Moore) in tow, Camille hides evidence that points to suicide, deciding instead to make the death look like a murder. Her scheme, fueled by vanity and greed, is not victimless, as it appears that a local handyman (Charles S. Dutton) might take the fall for a crime that never occurred.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Robert Altman
  • Producer:
    Ernst Etchie Stroh
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Bac Films, Argentina Video Home, Budapest Film Rt., Primer Plano Film Group S.A., Sony Pictures Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Glenn Close
Glenn Close
Camille Dixon
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore
Cora Duvall
Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler
Emma Duvall
Chris O'Donnell
Chris O'Donnell
Jason Brown
Charles S. Dutton
Charles S. Dutton
Willis Richland
Patricia Neal
Patricia Neal
Jewel Mae "Cookie" Orcutt
Ned Beatty
Ned Beatty
Lester Boyle
Courtney B. Vance
Courtney B. Vance
Otis Tuker
Donald Moffat
Donald Moffat
Jack Palmer
Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett
Manny Hood
Danny Darst
Danny Darst
Billy Cox
Matt Malloy
Matt Malloy
Eddie "The Expert" Pitts
Randle Mell
Randle Mell
Patrick Freeman
Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash
Wanda Carter
Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas
Theo Johnson
Ruby Wilson
Ruby Wilson
Josie Martin
Preston Strobel
Preston Strobel
Ronnie Freeman
Ann Whitfield
Ann Whitfield
Mrs. Henderson Herodias
Hank Worsham
Hank Worsham
Tigellinus
Kenny Pillow
Kenny Pillow
Soldier 1
Robert Altman
Robert Altman
Director
Willi Bär
Willi Bär
Executive Producer
David Levy
David Levy
Co-Producer
James McLindon
James McLindon
Co-Producer
Ernst Etchie Stroh
Ernst Etchie Stroh
Producer
David A. Stewart
David A. Stewart
Original Music
Toyomichi Kurita
Toyomichi Kurita
Cinematographer
Abraham Lim
Abraham Lim
Film Editing
Pam Dixon
Pam Dixon
Casting
Stephen Altman
Stephen Altman
Production Design
Richard L. Johnson
Richard L. Johnson
Art Director
Susan Emshwiller
Susan Emshwiller
Set Decoration
Dona Granata
Dona Granata
Costume Design
Martial Corneville
Martial Corneville
Key Hair Stylist
Linda Melazzo
Linda Melazzo
Makeup Artist
Manlio Rocchetti
Manlio Rocchetti
Key Makeup Artist
Barbara A. Hall
Barbara A. Hall
Unit Production Manager
Stephen Altman
Stephen Altman
Second Unit Director
David Ascher
David Ascher
Second Assistant Director
Joe Barnett
Joe Barnett
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
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Critic Reviews for Cookie's Fortune

All Critics (58) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (50) | Rotten (8)
Full Review… Angie Errigo Empire Magazine Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Todd McCarthy Variety Full Review… Geoff Andrew Time Out Full Review… Geoffrey Macnab Sight & Sound Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Film4 Staff Film4 Full Review… Maitland McDonagh TV Guide Full Review… Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review Full Review… Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight
View All Critic Reviews (58)

Audience Reviews for Cookie's Fortune

  • May 15, 2011
    Nothing amazing but a solid small town dramedy/mystery that's well acted and amusing. I haven't seen most of Altman's work before but this seems very much his style from what I've seen.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • May 10, 2011
    "Cookie's Fortune" is a sharp, dazzling dark comedy from Robert Altman. Anne Rapp's screenplay both captures the essence of small town life and character as well as satirizes it. The 'murder' mystery centerpiece is clever, funny and unique. Punctuated by a fantastic ensemble, featuring memorable turns from Glenn Close, Julianne Moore, Chris O'Donnell, Charles S. Dutton, Liv Tyler and Patricia Neal. "Cookie's Fortune" perfectly captures Altman's comedic sensibilities and knack for crafting wonderfully funny and true characters.
    Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2008
    This isn't Altman's best, but having said that Altman is also easily one of my favourite directors - so even when he is not at his best, he never fails to entertain. And entertaining this is, a quirky, very Southern comedy with endearing characters. Julianne Moore is hilarious as the slightly loopy sister, Glenn Close is simply superb in her over-the-top performance. Unfortunately, Liv Tyler is almost equally as bad as the others are great. The story sometimes is not as smooth as it could be, but the eccentric characters and the atmosphere of a small Southern town is what makes this a great and fun film.
    Super Reviewer
  • Mar 25, 2007
    Nice, charming lttle comedy.
    Super Reviewer
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