08-24-2019, 05:11 PM
The Player (1992)
I was expecting this to be a satire of Hollywood but wasn't expecting it to also have elements of a Dario Argento style thriller. Thomas Newman's score and the dramatic red/blue coloured lighting gently recalls 'Suspiria'. The opening 7-8 minutes shot is designed to top Orson Welles' shot in 'Touch of Evil' but that had a narrative purpose and a natural feel, the shot here doesn't enhance the story, it's often awkwardly composed and it's basically about showing off. Director Robert Altman is constantly at pains to misdirect you from who the stalker is and keep you guessing (like Argento would) but then just goes surprise! it doesn't matter because we're doing a satirical ending commenting on a Hollywood ending instead of a proper resolution. Having said all that, the quantity of fun cameos and fine performances kept me thoroughly entertained.
I was expecting this to be a satire of Hollywood but wasn't expecting it to also have elements of a Dario Argento style thriller. Thomas Newman's score and the dramatic red/blue coloured lighting gently recalls 'Suspiria'. The opening 7-8 minutes shot is designed to top Orson Welles' shot in 'Touch of Evil' but that had a narrative purpose and a natural feel, the shot here doesn't enhance the story, it's often awkwardly composed and it's basically about showing off. Director Robert Altman is constantly at pains to misdirect you from who the stalker is and keep you guessing (like Argento would) but then just goes surprise! it doesn't matter because we're doing a satirical ending commenting on a Hollywood ending instead of a proper resolution. Having said all that, the quantity of fun cameos and fine performances kept me thoroughly entertained.
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