1. The Player: Production Analysis Director: Robert Altman Biography (1925- ) Critical Reputation Often considered an eccentric genius by observers Regularly referred to as one of the great contemporary American directors, even “the United States’ single most ambitious auteur,”by critics and film scholars, particularly in terms of his productions of the 1970s, which won numerous awards After quiet period in 1980s, Altman’s reputation was revived by Tanner ’88, which showed on cable as a limited series.

2. The Player: Production Analysis Historical Context Renewed interest in independent films as alternative to blockbuster releases Political/Religious calls for return to “family values” Industry Context Altman’s reputation low with studio execs, but high with actors Appeal of “comeback” as promotional ploy Comic expose’ of movie industry, critical, but ultimately positive Tale of the Tape: Grosses: 22 million in US (budget: 8 million) Altman awarded John Cassavetes Award, Best Director at Cannes Film Festival, as well as Best Director awards from the NY Film Critics Circle, Boston Society of Film Critics and Chicago Film Critics Association Award.

3. Robert Altman’s Style Strong concern with characterization Avoids formal introduction to characters Plot subordinated to character interaction Use of overlapping dialogue Improvisational style of acting Subversion of genre expections Use of “open spaces” between scenes Melancholy subtext beneath surface comedy