Details
Movie Description
In a bizarre series of murders, all of the victims of a ruthless Houston killer are found covered with bird droppings. The police soon close in on the prime suspect--a young man who lives in the Astrodome sports arena and dreams of flight. One of director Robert Altman's most offbeat, fascinating films, it features most of the Altman stock company from his Vietnam War comedy M*A*S*H, including actors Bud Cort, Rene Auberjonois, Sally Kellerman, Michael Murphy, and John Schuck.
Synopsis
Robert Altman follows up his groundbreaking hit M*A*S*H, with this zany comedy about a young man who is training to fly like a bird. Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) lives in the Houston Astrodome sports arena, where he spends his days building a winged contraption and doing pull-ups under the guidance of Louise (Sally Kellerman), a mysterious guardian angel. When a serial killer begins running rampant in Houston, ace San Francisco detective Shaft (Michael Murphy) is called in to investigate. Brewster develops a relationship with Astrodome tour guide Suzanne (Shelley Duvall), which troubles Louise, who is convinced that any real connection with another human being will ground Brewster and ruin his chances to reach a true bird-like state. As the investigation unfolds, and it appears that Brewster is not quite so innocent, which climaxes at the Astrodome where he finally tests his ability to fly. Altman's off-the-cuff direction, quick pacing, and onslaught of quirky jokes keep BREWSTER MCCLOUD fresh, entertaining, and pleasantly ridiculous throughout. Cort delivers a deadpan comic performance as the hero, as do the other standard Altman players--notably, Michael Murphy, Rene Auberjonois, Bert Remsen, and John Schuck. Not as widely heralded as Altman's other major 1970s works due to its lighthearted tone, BREWSTER MCCLOUD nonetheless remains an integral contribution to the director's catalogue.
Film Notes
BREWSTER MCCLOUD marked the feature film debut for actress Shelley Duvall who went to collaborate with Altman on future projects such as MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER, THREE WOMEN and NASHVILLE. She is also known for her portrayal of Olive Oyl opposite Robin Williams's POPEYE.
The script's original title was BREWSTER MCCLOUD'S (SEXY) FLYING MACHINE.
Director Robert Altman has often called this his favorite film of his oeuvre.
Industry Reviews
"...Often brilliant..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (03/14/1994)
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