Review of Brewster McCloud (1971) by Manny C — 05 Feb 2009
Brewster McCloud is Robert Altman at his most unrestrained. If MASH is Altman's Spartacus, Brewster McCloud is assuredly his Eyes Wide Shut, a movie so painfully misunderstood and criticized its sickening.
Bud Cort plays the title character, who lives deep within the depths of the Houston Astrodome with the sole hope of building a pair of wings and flying to freedom. Brewster is endlessly watched over by the mysterious and hot Sally Kellerman, who may or may not be the supposed angel/bird protecting Brewster, or more directly, killing those who bring him harm by literally pooping on them from up high.
Another MASH alum, Martin Murphy, plays one of the film's several memorable characters, as the too-cool-for-school detective all the way from San Francisco. Shelley Duvall also pops up, and is actually good-looking at her prime.
The highlight of the film is easily Rene Auberjonois as a bird lecturer, whose bird lessons littered throughout the film accompany his slow transformation into a bird himself. Brewster McCloud is so batshit crazy and hard to follow it has to be seen.
Definitely in Altman's top 3 films.
This review of Brewster McCloud (1971) was written by Manny C on 05 Feb 2009.
Brewster McCloud has generally received positive reviews.
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