Short Cuts Reviews
August 14, 2018
A movie of Carver's work needed to show this process whereby simple acts and objects are also abstractions. Altman has shown it...
May 11, 2018
Whether their characters are congenial, contemptible or just absurd, Altman gets the best from an extraordinary company.
October 19, 2016
Worth the buy for one scene: watching a young Robert Downey, Jr. elbow-punch a couch.
April 7, 2016
It's a funny/scary vision, with a manic edge -- which is why, when you come down from the high of the filmmaking, you may be left with the taste of ashes in your mouth. Altman's artistry can make you happy even when his art offers cold comfort.
January 22, 2012
We are never made to care much about the afflicted characters because Altman doesn't and thereby the stories carry very little weight.
Full Review
| Original Score: B-
September 7, 2011
Full Review
| Original Score: A
April 28, 2011
The epidosic (by necessity) movie is uneven, but some of the stories are poignant and the acting always compelling
Full Review
| Original Score: B
February 27, 2008
Performances are low key but accomplished, comedy and tragedy are delicately balanced and the whole thing has the feel of a sprawling but very absorbing soap.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/5
February 27, 2008
Cool, clever and complex, Altman succeeds in bringing out the best from a highly talented cast.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/5
February 27, 2008
As the grand ringmaster, it's here that Altman passes the baton to his actors , whose behavioral insights are critical to the film's success.
February 27, 2008
The film is fascinating and complex, and benefits from a densely textured soundtrack that makes it as interesting to listen to as to watch.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3.5/4
February 27, 2008
Inevitably it's a mixed bag, though the film's assurance in keeping it all coherent is at times exhilarating.
February 22, 2008
Not prime Altman, but weaves an interesting path due to many sub-plots.
Original Score: 3/5
October 19, 2006
Original Score: 4/5
June 24, 2006
From the exhilarating opening, you know Altman's epic 'adaptation' of eight stories and a poem by Raymond Carver is going to be special.
October 10, 2005
Altman weaves magic from Carver's character-rich material.
Original Score: 4/5
October 8, 2005
An absolutely brilliant, 3-hour examination of detached, dysfunctional behavior in modern America. Easily one of Altman's best films.
Original Score: 4/4
July 1, 2005
Original Score: 5/5
June 25, 2005
Original Score: 3/5
April 13, 2005
Original Score: 3/5