A controversial film - it prompts mixed reactions in people, but you can't say Robert Altman didn't give Paramount and Disney a Robert Altman film. All his trademarks are there - sprawling scenes full of overlapping improvisational dialogue, roaming camerawork, the ensemble acting, seemingly careless formation of scenes, lack of close ups. Not to mention Shelly Duvall who, as Olive Oyl, is one of the most perfect matches between actor and character I think in the history of cinema.
It doesn't work, at least it didn't to me. The film has some fantastic things - that set is magical, I adored it. It deserves to be in a better remembered film (although Popeye did make money). There's Duvall, and much of the cast seem to suit their roles. I liked the romantic scenes between Olive and Popeye and her song 'He Needs Me' is really touching. The basic story should have worked - Popeye searching for his father is very empathetic.
But the story is muffled - we don't get a sense of Popeye's character or background, the search for his father lacks emotional resonance, I didn't get a sense of Bluto or Whimpy, the townsfolk were not very likeable, the songs seemed tossed off.
It's a weird movie. Very Altman. Very flawed. Definitely an ending of 70s auteur cinema as much as say Sorcerer was.
No comments:
Post a Comment