Robert Altman

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Robert Altman

Robert Bernard Altman (February 20, 1925 – November 20, 2006) was an American film director, screenwriter, and film producer. A five-time nominee of the Academy Award for Best Director, he is considered one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers in American cinema. His style of filmmaking, characterized by naturalistic dialogue, ensemble casts, and a focus on character over plot, has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Early Life

Robert Altman was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Helen (née Matthews) and Bernard Clement Altman. He attended Rockhurst High School and later the University of Missouri, though he left before graduating to join the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

Career

Early Work

After the war, Altman began his career in the film industry by directing industrial films and documentaries. He moved to Hollywood in the 1950s, where he directed episodes of various television series, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Bonanza.

Breakthrough and Success

Altman's breakthrough came with the 1970 film M*A*S*H, a dark comedy set during the Korean War. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Altman his first Academy Award nomination for Best Director.

He followed this success with a series of critically acclaimed films, including McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Nashville (1975), and 3 Women (1977). His films often featured large ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue, a technique that became a hallmark of his style.

Later Work

In the 1980s and 1990s, Altman continued to direct a variety of films, including The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993), and Gosford Park (2001). Gosford Park earned him his fifth Academy Award nomination for Best Director and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Final Years and Legacy

Altman's final film, A Prairie Home Companion, was released in 2006, the same year he received an Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievements. He passed away on November 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, California.

Altman's influence on modern cinema is profound, with many filmmakers citing him as an inspiration. His innovative techniques and focus on character-driven stories have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Personal Life

Altman was married three times and had six children. He was known for his collaborative approach to filmmaking and his ability to elicit strong performances from his actors.

Filmography

• M*A*S*H (1970)
• McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
• Nashville (1975)
• 3 Women (1977)
• The Player (1992)
• Short Cuts (1993)
• Gosford Park (2001)
• A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Related Pages

• Film director
• Screenwriter
• Film producer
• Academy Award for Best Director
• M*A*S*H (film)
• Nashville (film)
• Gosford Park