Review of The Player (1992) by Stephen E — 29 Nov 2011
Robert Altman's The Player is a quaint and clever middle finger to Hollywood and the movie industry. It's funny and knows it subject very well. After watching it a second time, I grasp and understand the film's message and the people that it speaks out against. Sometimes there are films that require a re-watch.
The film opens with a magnificently orchestrated tracking shot that lasts for at least a good five minutes. Robert Altman hasn't really impressed me all that much with his filmography, but I do admire his directorial skills. Here in The Player, he shines. I love the way he positions his shots, where the main event often takes place in the background with something obscuring it in the foreground.
I loved the final scene, where there is a screening of Habeas Corpus. It has a different ending then it had when originally scripted. Julia Roberts says 'What took you so long?' and Bruce Willis replies with 'Traffic was a bitch.' Then that same scene is re-enacted between Tim Robbins and Greta Scacchi, after Robbins receives a phone call from the mysterious writer summing up the entire movie. Now, tell me that wasn't ingenious.
This review of The Player (1992) was written by Stephen E on 29 Nov 2011.
The Player has generally received very positive reviews.
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