The Long Goodbye details
| Format: | 18 DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Jim Bouton, Elliott Gould, Mark Rydell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sterling Hayden |
| Director: | Robert Altman |
| Genre: | Drama - Crime, Thriller |
| Studio: | MGM ENTERTAINMENT |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
The Long Goodbye |
18 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 47 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 02 Feb 2004 |
| Main languages: | English |
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Most helpful review
Any casual viewers of ...
By Clucky from Cardiff, Wales , 24 Aug 2004[Highly rated reviewer]
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- Was this review helpful to you?
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(42)A very, very long goodbye
By Jim_E (7 reviews) , 27 Apr 2012[Highly rated reviewer]
Absolute crap. A badly dated travesty of Chandler's novel which entirely misses the moral core of the book (as well as all the best dialogue). Elliot Gould's bumbling, mumbling performance seems designed to parody everything that made Philip Marlowe a superb protagonist. Definitely one to avoid.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Disappointing Robert Altman film
By Ferry41 (223 reviews) from Oxford , 12 Feb 2012I thought this was a boring and chaotic film that was supposed to be a thriller. However I lost all interest in 'who done it' less than half of the way through. The acting is pretty mediocre, with the main activity of the gumshoe main character consisting of lighting up cigarettes. Some gratuitous nudity from his girly hippy neighbours. Why not? The rest of the sceeenplay appears equally random.- Was this review helpful to you?
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California Dreaming
By born2run (80 reviews) from Isles of Scilly , 19 Apr 2011Quite snappy, especially the clipped wisecracks, and at times captures the essence of the peculiarities of Chandler's writing, but on the whole a 'just OK' film. Some of Altman's directions really shine through especially in his use of reflections, either through glass or subtly placed mirrors and he reflects the decadent, zany lifestyle of California. Very enjoyable even though ultimately disappointing.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Pretty Cool
By Cato (705 reviews) from Lydbury North , 17 Feb 2010This has to be one of the best films of the 70s, with Elliott Gould making a pretty cool Philip Marlowe. Just how he strikes his matches on any available surface that comes to hand beats me. The acting is great, and even Nina (without Frederick) is a superb Eileen Wade. A lot of it seems improvised, and the offbeat opening scene of Marlowe trying to feed his cat the wrong food sets the tone for the action. The cinematography is scintillating - watch the reflections of Marlowe on the beach in the window of the house whilst the Wades are arguing inside. This is Robert Altman at his very best.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Great Chandler Thriller.
By SteveMason (58 reviews) from Nottingham , 14 Jan 2010In my opinion, the best adaptation of any Chandler novel.
Sure there are liberties taken with the source novel, but then that's true of all Chandler adaptations. Bogart was never playing Philip Marlowe.
But Chandler's satirical theme is delivered intact: that in a corrupt world (not necessarily LA, but LA will do) any person of integrity will be made to look sentimental and weak.
And the superb ending is too pure, and too true for almost any of the old noirists to have delivered.
This updating strangely seems as much of its time as The Big Sleep, viewed from today!- Was this review helpful to you?
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