Robert Altman
Robert Altman
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Bernard Altman was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter who is commonly known as Robert Altman.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 20, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri, Altman passed away on November 20, 2006, at the age of 81.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Altman was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Altman grew up in a musical family and began composing music at an early age. After serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, he attended the University of Kansas City, where he studied piano and composition. In the 1950s, Altman worked as a jazz pianist and composer, but eventually turned to film directing.
Major Accomplishments
Altman's breakthrough film was _The Man with Two Brains_ (1983), which showcased his unique blend of humor and satire. He went on to direct some of the most iconic films of the 1970s and 1980s, including:
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971): a revisionist Western that explored themes of isolation and human connection.
Nashville (1975): a musical comedy-drama that critiqued American politics and culture.
3 Women (1977): a psychological drama that examined the complexities of female relationships.
Altman's innovative approach to storytelling and his commitment to independent filmmaking earned him widespread critical acclaim and a loyal following among audiences.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his feature films, Altman directed numerous documentaries, television shows, and stage productions. Some notable works include:
A Prairie Home Companion (2006): a musical comedy-drama that served as a companion piece to Garrison Keillor's popular radio show.
* The Player (1992): a satirical comedy that skewered the Hollywood film industry.
Altman was also known for his collaborations with actors, including Warren Beatty, Meryl Streep, and Paul Newman. His ability to elicit nuanced performances from his cast members was a hallmark of his directing style.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Altman's impact on American cinema cannot be overstated. He helped establish the independent film movement of the 1970s and paved the way for future generations of filmmakers. His innovative approach to storytelling has influenced countless directors, including Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, and Quentin Tarantino.
Altman's legacy extends beyond his films as well. He was a vocal advocate for artists' rights and worked tirelessly to promote independent filmmaking throughout his career. In 1996, he was awarded an Academy Honorary Award for his contributions to the film industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Altman's unique voice and vision have made him one of the most beloved and respected filmmakers in American history. His innovative approach to storytelling, combined with his commitment to independent filmmaking, has inspired countless artists and audiences alike.
Quotes by Robert Altman
Robert Altman's insights on:
Maybe there’s a chance to get back to grown-up films. Anything that uses humor and dramatic values to deal with human emotions and gets down to what people are to people.
I insist that they do what they became actors to do. I want them to create something and not just hit marks and say words. So they all love that because they’re playing. It’s called playacting. Their contributions are not only welcomed, but are accepted and used.
If you have a child who is seven feet tall, you don’t cut off his head or his legs. You buy him a bigger bed and hope he plays basketball.
The role of the director is to create a space where the actresses and actors can become more than they have ever been before, more than they have ever dreamed of being.
I’ve had it-the agencies, the winking, the networks, the ratings. Anyone who thinks TV is an art medium is crazy-it’s an advertising medium.
Most of my films I call arena films. I deal with a confined area – an arena – and I try to cover every aspect of it.
