McCabe & Mrs. Miller
John McCabe: If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass so much, follow me?
For whatever insane reason, it has been far, FAR too long before I have finally sat down and watched this film.
In fact, regarding that reason, there was even an unfounded trepidation on how it was going to go. Which is kinda silly since my very first Altman film, M*A*S*H when I was but pre-teen, is a huge favorite of mine and a great introduction into the styling of Robert Altman. Seeing many of those aspects in other films as well as this one.
Such as the opening scene in the bar as everyone is talking over everyone else, put me right at home, thinking of the first scene at the mess hall in M*A*S*H as introductions were being made and throughout that film and some of this.
This style of Altman's also features more focus on incidents than a specific story line. Which could cause some confusion at times, like the above line I quoted. Causing you take a moment before truly "getting" things as they play out.
Not a negative, merely a FYI for a first timer, like myself for this film. Or even for an Altman film in general. Much like remarking how a secondary (or more) viewing(s) is an enjoyable necessity. One I'll be doing somewhere in the future with this film.
The location shooting of this was truly ideal and put to excellent use. Even the initial darken interior of the bar of McCabe's arrival into town, to the final ending in the snow, there is some very gorgeous and well done scenes in this film. In fact, the building of the town was actually incorporated into the film and that brings a nice layer to the overall cinematic experience.
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed Warren Beatty's equal measure of confidence and awkwardness of a man looking to make a profit without actual business knowledge of how to get it done. That assistance comes in the strong, independent Mrs. Miller played very well by Julie Christie.
I must say, I do enjoy the roles of women in the few Altman films I have seen. They are not incomplete or dependent on their male counterparts but are complete on their own. And Christie's Mrs. Miller is very much one of those women.
Also, in regards to instances, I really enjoyed the naive, affable Cowboy (Keith Carradine). A sad, but great little side story and that final scene of him on the bridge was filmed with just the right amount of tragic tension.
So, another great unseen gem for this fan of Westerns -- f@ckin YAY
__________________
What I actually said to win MovieGal's heart:
- I might not be a real King of Kinkiness, but I make good pancakes
What I actually said to win MovieGal's heart:
- I might not be a real King of Kinkiness, but I make good pancakes
~Mr Minio