Altman is one of the directors that I always anticipate and look forward to their next project. He isn't 100% for me, but more times than not I've been bowled over by his cinematic takes on life. We heard some positive word from Sundance and now here's a look from a Tree.... Ain't it a Druidic Review? Here ya go...
A non-spoiler review of Robert Altman's latest film, "Cookie's Fortune," by The Tree.
Dearest Harold,
Living in a down-town loft is tough work. As we boarded the elevator to go get something to eat Wednesday night, we found a pass for two on the elevator floor to see a special sneak preview of Robert Altman's new flick "Cookie's Fortune." Manna from heaven? Maybe, maybe not. But when the movie gods make an offering like this to you, you'd better take it. The show was to begin in 30 minutes, and there was just enough time to make it. We hopped in the car, and made it to the theatre just in the nick of time (traffic due to construction on US75 in big 'D' was a bitch...)
For background info on my perspective on Altman films, I'll tell you that I saw "The Player" in Houston - loved it - and "pret-a-porter" in Berlin - hated it. In this case, I had heard literally nothing about this film going in to the screening, so my palette was clear. So on to the film...
This film is classic Altman, and falls somewhere between "The Player" and "pret-a-porter" in quality. It's basically an excellent cast of colorful characters taking their time through the film. How you respond to the characters will determine whether or not you like this film. If you allow the characters to grow on you, you will enjoy the movie. But be warned: this is not an easy task. In fact, my companion, the 'Lady Tree', wasn't up to the challenge.
The story, set in present-day rural Mississippi, seems loose and meandering, but as with any Altman film, this is an illusion. The story is actually wound quite tightly, but takes it's time getting where it needs to go. This slow pace, the allowing of moments to unfold on their own, will turn many off. But again, if your patient enough to allow the characters to work their charms on you, you'll be entertained.
The characters in the film are all well portrayed, with a few notable standouts. The first is Willis Richland, played by Charles Dutton. Harry, I'm not joking: Roc can act. His performance was excellent - and his getting FIFTH billing is a true injustice. Liv Tyler, sporting a cropped hairdo (if you've seen her at the awards ceremonies of late with a crop-top, this film is why), is also excellent as Emma Duvall. Ned Beatty, as a Sheriff's Deputy was also great. And last, but certainly not least, is an excellent small role by Rufus Thomas as Theo, the bar owner. I laughed my ass off every time he was onscreen. He's a definite scene-stealer. The rest of the cast, including Glenn Close, Julianne Moore, and Chris O'Donnell are fine as well.
Also a quick note on the Soundtrack: David A. Ferry's bluesy score is the perfect mood-music for this film.
In a nutshell: If you enjoy slow-paced character-driven films, go see "Cookie's Fortune." If you don't enjoy slow-paced character- driven films, go see "The Matrix" again.
Spoiler-Free from "The Tree"
