Review of Short Cuts (1993) by Clint D — 26 Jun 2012

This is what can happen when two masters of their crafts combine for a flawless performance.

Director Robert Altman, perhaps the best ever at blending multiple storylines involving massive ensemble casts while never losing the audience, decided to make a film based on the short stories of deceased writer Raymond Carver for a marriage that was made in heaven. What makes "Short Cuts" such a masterpiece, and my favorite Altman film, is the way he trusts his cast and they in turn, trust him too.

It's this vulnerability that the actors/actresses let him tap into that makes the film so rewarding and engaging to watch. This film feels like a seamless novel rather than a collection of short stories (or "Short Cuts"), everything flows effortlessly whether it's from a heart-wrenching story of every parent's worst nightmare (Andie MacDowell & Bruce Davison), a sleazy LAPD officer with a hungry heart (Tim Robbins), an upper-class marriage that's hanging by a thread (Julianne Moore & Matthew Modine), or an aging jazz singer battling a serious alcohol problem (Annie Ross) -- the viewer will float from one narrative to another without feeling lost.

As with any Altman film (Nashville, MASH), this is an actor's film and the performances are what makes it hum. It would be easy for a movie featuring 22 main characters to suffer from under or overacting in spots but in "Short Cuts", even the non-actors like Tom Waits are holding their own with heavyweight performers like Chris Penn.

My only complaint would be that some storylines aren't fleshed out as much as others (the medfly invasion) but this is a minor criticism compared to the scope of this film and how perfectly it's put together. If you enjoy "Magnolia" (my favorite film) you will love "Short Cuts" because it's clear PT Anderson enjoyed it immensely. Do yourself a favor and take this one in.