To me, Altman's second-best film, behind "Nashville," which is so uniquely brilliant, it defies classification!
Regardless of it being set during the Korean War, this is obviously a commentary on the insanity of the current-at-that-time Vietnam War, and of war in general. The surgeons are endlessly patching up the badly wounded, and they keep coming. The endless cycle leads to the surgeons and other personnel just trying to keep sane.
There is quite of mix of gore and laughs as the characters make their way through the conflict. And, surreal moments that transcend it all. Altman was a master at breaking the rules, and has a dream cast that makes the film perfect.
I saw this at the 75th Anniversary for 20th Century Fox at Lincoln Center in 2010. I got to meet and have a real conversation with Elliott Gould, easily the best interaction with a celebrity I have ever had. There was a showing of a new 35mm print of the film, and a post discussion with Elliott, Tom Skerritt, and the wife of Mr. Altman. I even have a signed poster!
Excellent film, easily watchable again and again. And, the P.A. announcements are so very funny!
********** (10 Out of 10 Stars)
Regardless of it being set during the Korean War, this is obviously a commentary on the insanity of the current-at-that-time Vietnam War, and of war in general. The surgeons are endlessly patching up the badly wounded, and they keep coming. The endless cycle leads to the surgeons and other personnel just trying to keep sane.
There is quite of mix of gore and laughs as the characters make their way through the conflict. And, surreal moments that transcend it all. Altman was a master at breaking the rules, and has a dream cast that makes the film perfect.
I saw this at the 75th Anniversary for 20th Century Fox at Lincoln Center in 2010. I got to meet and have a real conversation with Elliott Gould, easily the best interaction with a celebrity I have ever had. There was a showing of a new 35mm print of the film, and a post discussion with Elliott, Tom Skerritt, and the wife of Mr. Altman. I even have a signed poster!
Excellent film, easily watchable again and again. And, the P.A. announcements are so very funny!
********** (10 Out of 10 Stars)