Robert Altman has died at age 81. He is best known for such films as Gosford Park, M-A-S-H (that went on to become a hit TV show, which he didn’t like due to his feelings that it trivialized the act of war), The Player, and my personal favorite, 3 Women.
Filmed in 1977, 3 Women is a haunting portrayal of two roommates —one with a split personality—who also work together in a sunny California solarium. The shier of the two women takes on a more domineering personality as the result of a near death experience. The two women are brilliantly portrayed by Shelley Duvall (Mildred “Millie” Lammoreaux), and Sissy Spacek (Pinky Rose).
An excerpt from 3 Women:
Millie Lammoreaux: Okay, now, what’s wrong with ya?
Pinky Rose: Nothin’?
Millie Lammoreaux: Well, there’s gotta be somethin’ wrong with ya.
Pinky Rose: My bathing suit’s too big?
Millie Lammoreaux: No. I mean, why else would you be here if it weren’t somethin’ like your legs or your arms. There’s gotta be somethin’ wrong with ya.
Pinky Rose: Oh, my back! Oh, my back! And my leg. My leg. My leg hurts.
Millie Lammoreaux: Okay, your back and your legs. This is for people with bad back and legs.
He will be remembered for his commitment to creating unconventional stories, and presenting surprising takes on a seemingly ordinary world.
Speaking of innovation, here’s some interesting trivia about Altman. In the late 40’s-early 50’s, he developed a way to ‘Identi-Code’ pets. He would tattoo a number on the cat or dog. And, he managed to tattoo President Truman’s dog. Somehow this seems like a fitting idea for him to come up with. Wouldn’t you agree?…this coming from the same man who gave us Prêt-à-Porter, A Prairie Home Companion, and so many other films.
For more trivia about Altman, and serious information, too, visit imdb.com/name/nm0000265/.
