Details
Movie Description
Robert Altman's adaptation of Michael Tolkin's novel gives the notorious director a chance to address perhaps his greatest nemesis: the Hollywood studio system. Disguised as a thriller, the film assembles virtually every famous actor in Hollywood to create an exhilarating blend of real life and fiction. Tim Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a studio executive who begins to fear for his job when upstart Larry Levy's (Peter Gallagher) name becomes a hot topic on the lot. After receiving threatening postcards from an unidentified writer, Griffin tracks down David Kahane (Vincent D'Onofrio), who he thinks is the guilty party. The two argue, with disastrous results. Later, as Griffin struggles to keep his job while trying to distance himself from the law, he finds himself falling in love with Kahane's mysterious girlfriend (Greta Scacchi). THE PLAYER is a vicious satire that exposes the Hollywood industry as fraudulent, weak, and shallow. Altman's film also sends up both the noir genre and filmmaking technique, the latter notably in an extended opening shot which is a sprawling one-take that covers the studio's entire lot and features a series of hysterical pitches by actual screenwriters, including Buck Henry offering forth on his concept for THE GRADUATE 2. Bitter and electric, THE PLAYER ends on an ironic upbeat note that perfectly concludes a stellar picture.
Synopsis
Robert Altman’s adaptation of Michael Tolkin’s novel gives the notorious director a chance to address perhaps his greatest nemesis: the Hollywood studio system. Disguised as a thriller, the film assembles virtually every famous actor in Hollywood to create an exhilarating blend of real life and fiction. Tim Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a studio executive who begins to fear for his job when upstart Larry Levy’s (Peter Gallagher) name becomes a hot topic on the lot. After receiving threatening postcards from an unidentified writer, Griffin tracks down David Kahane (Vincent D’Onofrio), who he thinks is the guilty party. The two argue, with disastrous results. Later, as Griffin struggles to keep his job while trying to distance himself from the law, he finds himself falling in love with Kahane’s mysterious girlfriend (Gretta Scacchi). THE PLAYER is a vicious satire that exposes the Hollywood industry as fraudulent, weak, and shallow. Altman's film also sends up both the noir genre and filmmaking technique, the latter notably in an extended opening shot which is a sprawling one-take that covers the studio’s entire lot and features a series of hysterical pitches by actual screenwriters, including Buck Henry offering forth on his concept for THE GRADUATE 2. Bitter and electric, THE PLAYER ends on an ironic happy note that provides just the right ending to a masterfully executed film.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Snap Case
Widescreen - 1.77
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English 5.1
Dolby Digital Stereo - French
Dolby Digital Multi-Channel Surround Sound
Additioal Release Material:
Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical
Commentary by Robert Altman, Michael Tolkin,
Robert Altman Featurette
Interactive Features:
Five Deleted Scenes
Special Cameo Menu
Released in New York City and Los Angeles April 10, 1992.
Filmed in Los Angeles and Two Bunch Palms, California; and Mexico.
THE PLAYER's estimated budget was $8 million.
In addition to being nominated for an Oscar for Best Director--and winning that honor at Cannes--Robert Altman was named Best Director of 1992 by the London Film Critics Circle and by the Boston Society of Film Critics.
The long single tracking shot that opens THE PLAYER was reportedly inspired by the legendary establishing shot at the beginning of Orson Welles's TOUCH OF EVIL.
In the novel's ending, Griffin loses his job and goes to work for a production company that works out of an office building and Larry Levy moves into the head office of the studio.
Screenwriter Michael Tolkin (on whose novel the film was based) and his brother Stephen, also a screenwriter, appear in the film as the "Schecter brothers," a takeoff on the Coen brothers, the independent filmmakers responsible for such films as BLOOD SIMPLE and BARTON FINK.
Michael Tolkin was nominated for an Oscar for his adaptation, and won the 1992 Best Adapted Screenplay Award from the Writers Guild of America and a similar award from the London Film Critics Circle.
Tim Robbins garnered the Best Actor award at Cannes for his portrayal of Griffin Mill.
Screened at Cleveland International Film Festival (opening film), San Francisco Film Festival (opening film), Cannes Film Festival (in competition), and San Sebastian Film Festival in 1992.
The film features a clip from Vittorio DeSica's THE BICYCLE THIEF.
Industry Reviews
"...What makes THE PLAYER the best and boldest American comedy in years is Altman's wizardry at leavening anger with cathartic wit..."
Rolling Stone - p.63-4 - Peter Travers
Ranked #8 in Entertainment Weekly's "10 Favorite Films of the 90's" - "...Altman's ticklish satire can stand with his timeless work..."
Entertainment Weekly - p.160 - Owen Gleiberman
"...So entertaining, so flip and so genially irreverent that it seems to announce the return of the great gregarous film maker....The members of the huge cast seem to be having a great night out on the town..."
New York Times - p.C16 - Vincent Canby
"...THE PLAYER is a true comeback film for Altman -- a return, after more than 15 years, to the infinitely sly and supple virtuosity that marked his great film of the '70s..."
Entertainment Weekly - p.38-40 - Owen Gleiberman
"...An artful stiletto aimed at the bashful heart of Hollywood....An extremely pointed and knowing show-biz dissection..."
Los Angeles Times - p.F1 - Kenneth Turan
"...THE PLAYER is a smart movie, and a funny one. It is also absolutely of our time..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (04/24/1992)
"...[The film] includes the greatest tracking shot this side of TOUCH OF EVIL and cameos from everyone: Bruce Willis, John Cusack, Julia Roberts..."
Total Film - Daniel Webb (07/01/2003)
5 stars out of 5 -- "Altman set about mocking the hypocrisy of the business that had exiled him. In the guise of a black-comic thriller, he exposed the Hollywood malaise. And Hollywood loved him for it."
Empire - Will Lawrence (02/01/2008)
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