ROBERT ALTMAN'S PERFECT COUPLE

So, I've basically been sort of 'layed up' this weekend. I'm in a sort of overly medicated fog and trying to hide from a migraine which seems to be trying to catch me when I'm not looking. With the exception of a fun visit from my Ing and Miss. S, it has been me and DVD's all weekend. Actually, I guess I nap'd mostly, but I did watch some DVD's.

One which I watched was the 1979 Robert Altman film, A PERFECT COUPLE. I saw this movie when it came out. I remember loving the music and thinking that the two male singers were so cute --- and that one was actually gay in the movie! My little 12 year old gay heart went crazy when I saw it. And, it was cool to see Marta Heflin in a staring role. Marta Heflin was too skinny, but I don't remember thinking that when I was a kid. I thought she was cool and hot! ...and she was naked in A STAR IS BORN in Barbra's swimming pool so I thought she was the coolest!

But, I remember thinking the story in the movie was dull but that the musical group, Keepin' 'Em Off The Streets, was sooooooo good and cool! I wanted the soundtrack but there was never one that I could find. ...but a quick 'google" search reveals that there was an LP by the "group" which was essentially created for the movie but it was not a soundtrack as such. How could a 12 year old in a little town in Texas have figured that one out?!?!!? Anyway, imagine my surprise today when I realized that one of the cute guys in the band is the same cute guy who played Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR!?!!? ...he is still cute in the movie but way-dated and the other cute (and gay) guy is actually thinner than Marta Heflin which is pretty scary.

Anyway, when I discovered that this lost Altman film had made its way to DVD I couldn't wait to revisit it! So, re-visit it I did.

(sigh)

OK. We all know that what appears cool to us as a child can often be lame as an adult. The music in this movie is so bad it actually hurts my feelings! I mean, this music is bad and it is more than half the film!!!!?!?!?! How could the genius behind MASH, NASHVILLE, 3 WOMEN and McGABE & MRS. MILLER have made this movie??!?!

...Well, actually, it is easy to see that it is his film. Classic Altman framing and over-lapping dialog. Clearly improvised moments between the actors. Moments when you suspect the actors have no idea if the camera is on them. But, what is up with the music? How did I ever like it?!?!? ...I'm glad they were kept off the streets!

What is interesting is my perception on the story and acting in the film itself at 40 vs. 12. I almost liked the actual plot of this rambling plot-less film. The concept to present two actors who look like real people who have real problems and who are both desperate to find love before they get too old. ...It is a feeling we all know all too well and it was so nice to see a film where two characters meet and actually fall in love via awkward dating moments, a dating service, clashing friends/family -- it was all painfully real and sweet. And, interestingly, sad. The two leading characters are sad and lonely. ...they are not perfect, but by the film's end you know that they will actually form a perfect couple. And, in that rarest of movie moments -- you actually believe that these two characters would fall for each other.

...I can remember thinking that it just wasn't funny, but it has a few funny moments. Adult moments. And, I can remember thinking that Paul Dooley was so ugly and that there was no way Marta Heflin would go for him. ...but now, he seems cute and she is not as cool as she once seemed.

I learned that Altman had wanted Sandy Dennis in the Marta role but Sandy insisted on bringing all 35 of her cats to the set and Paul Dooley was allergic and ended up in the hospital -- so Marta got Dennis' role. Originally, the film was going to be about a "moma's boy" meeting an aging "flower child" --- but, Altman liked this band (?) and knew that Marta could sing so he changed the film to showcase the band which then "re-invented" itself to include Marta and Jesus.

Ugh. The music just hurt. And, the film is not great. Only bother if you totally adore Robert Altman. ...or if you were a 12 year old who used to love the music that fills the entire film. Time for a wake-up call, kid!

...I think I need to watch this to cleanse my soul. I keep meaning to watch it with Altman's commentary. So, maybe I will have some soup, climb into bed and do just that. ...and, this Robert Altman film is one of the greatest American films ever made -- and one of my all-time personal favorites!

SHAMPOO

Tho, not in my Top Ten, SHAMPOO is one of my favorite movies. I recently discovered it was on DVD for less than $10!?!?! So, I got a copy. I was so excited to show it to B as he had never seen it. He fell asleep.

This film is, in my view, one of those great almost experimental films from the 70's when studios were more willing to take risks and aim for something close to "reality" ---- and this is also director, Hal Ashby, at his very best! I know he is best remembered for HAROLD & MAUD and COMING HOME (both near-perfect movies!) but I think this is his finest hour as a filmmaker.

An American Tragedy hiding as a comedy. Satire hiding behind dramatics. This just might be the most non-political - political film you will ever see. And, it is certainly the most unsexy film about sex you're likely to ever run across. One can say a lot of things about Warren Beatty but the man has produced some fucking fantastic film work!

Essentially, I think this movie is focused on why in the world the US would have re-elected Nixon to 4 more years of total hell --- and, why, especially in the 70's, sex became an addiction -- and an act as meaningful as a handshake between business partners. It is fully loaded.

Very loosely based upon the early career of Jon Peters (tho, both Beatty and Robert Towne were quick to claim it was actually loosely based upon the career of Jay Sebring -- don't believe it!) ...a somehow clever guy who became a hairdresser so he could sleep with as many women as he wanted and a guy who is quickly losing interest in sex and more concerned with where his place in the world should be ...or could be.


As Goldie Hawn (who one forgets could once act quite well) tells Beatty's character: "You never stop moving and you never go anywhere!" ...a fact he knows, but her words seem to shatter him.

No one in SHAMPOO is able to connect. The film is quick to parody the world of LA. So many quiet and priceless moments. Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn having lunch, but when conversation drifts to something important they escape behind their giant Hollywood glasses and fall into the laid-back/mid-70's-Hollywood-vernacular of the film ---

"Oh, George? George is great."
"Yeah, he's great."

TV sets and radios blare throughout the film, but no one is watching. The TV/radios are usually warning about the upcoming victory of Nixon and his vile administration or some form of violence. But these characters are too apathetic to bother turning down sex they don't really want to even notice the importance of what is going on in outside of themselves.

And, yet, somehow the actors manage to make these hallowed-out/shallow people so human you do feel for them.

As George stands up on that canyon mountain watching the one person with whom he thinks he might have had something close to love --- you're left wondering if anyone could ever really love him or if any of the people in his world even know how to really feel anything.


...And, the hostility of Lee Grant's character! One can't help but laugh at the clever inverse of THE GRADUATE plot twist when she realizes that her lover has just slept with her teen daughter (played with perfectly tinged anger and angst!) --- she gets turned on vs. jealous/angry.

Also, let's face it. That has got to be one of the coolest posters any major studio created to promote a film. ...but, don't expect a sex comedy or a laugh a minute film. This is carefully edited and paced film. Great editing and even greater cinematography. And, Paul Simon's score even works. This film asks the viewer to think. And, I think that is something most films no longer require. No one blows up. And, there are no fart jokes.

And, who knew a Beach Boys could packs a punch when placed at just the right moment.