The Long Goodbye Details

Any casual viewers of this film will undoubtedly by left confused and bemused by this somewhat rambling literary adaptation. The plot meanders, the characters are somewhat undefined and it rarely sticks to any cinematic formula. But it is exactly these little quirks that will appeal to both fans of Robert Altman?s directorial methods and those who enjoy the style of early 70s American cinema.

Admittedly I have not read any of Raymond Chandler?s books so I can?t comment on whether this is a true adaptation or not, but in its own right this a great film. Elliot Gould was born to play the part of Marlowe, the languid private investigator who operates with the basics: a gun, a bottle of whisky and a wisecrack. The supporting cast is sprinkled with the usual Altman faces and they provide a colourful array of background characters. Cinematically the film is sharp and crisp, although you could argue that some of the shots maybe a little on the pretentious side.

If there are any drawbacks to the film then it is, by today?s standards, slow and lacks the action usually found in ?gangster? flicks. The lack of linear plot maybe be off putting to some but to those familiar with Altman?s other work this shouldn?t be a probably. The film however really needs to be viewed several times before you can fully appreciate the quality of the dialogue and direction. If you are looking for a cool but somewhat cynical 1970s film then give this one a try. 4 out of 5

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The Long Goodbye, a gleefully cynical, black hearted masterpiece from the late Robert Altman.

A friend asks for a lift to the Mexican border and Elliot Goulds chainsmoking P.I. stubs his toe on a a typically labyrinth Chandler plot.

Lazy evocative score, drunken Sterling Hadden, roar of the surf and a fastiduous cat, there are many pleasures to be found here, best of all Goulds mumbling Marlowe wisecracking his way to an impressivelly downbeat ending.

Rent now.