It is a sad day for film fans everywhere. Robert Altman, genius, visionary, maverick, has passed away at the age of 81. One of the true greats in the movie world has left us, and he’ll never be replaced.
Back in January I wrote the following about Altman when it was announced he was going to be the recipient of this past years Honorary Oscar. I’m glad they gave it to him when they did.:
Robert Altman, one of 5 directors in Oscar history to be nominated 5 times for “Best Director” without ever winning it, will receive an honarary Oscar at this year’s awards ceremony. And all I can say is “Hell yes”.
This guy is a master filmmaker. His films are diverse, bold and tell stories in his own way. Films like M-A-S-H, Nashville, The Player, Short Cuts and Gosford Park are all his creations (although to be fair he also directed one of the worst films in the history of cinema, Dr. T and the Women. Yuck, my ass hurts just saying the title.
Say what you want about the Oscars, the one thing they do right just about every single year is the people they pick to recieve the lifetime and honorary awards. They’re always totally top notch people who belong in a film hall of fame (if such a thing existed). This choice is no different.
Altman broke the mold, spoke his mind and always found a way to do both that made us smile, made us laugh, and often made us think through it all. Nothing I can say here can come close to doing the man justice. He will be missed.
