Release Date: 8/22/1997 Original Release: 1992 Format: DVD Length: 124 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: (Reason unavailable) UPC: 794043403224 Studio: New Line Home Video
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.
DVD Features
Region 1 Snap Case Full Frame - 1.33 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
Wow! Are you a Tim Robbins fan? He was the lead. Do you like Greta Scacchi? She was there, too. How about Fred Ward? Count him in. I really like Vincent D'Onofrio. Sorry about that, Vince. Wacky for... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on March 25, 2007
Reviewed by: Jessica Film Junkie
The brilliant diatribe against Hollywood comes from the late, great Robert Altman. Altman never had a great relationships with the suits who run Hollywood, as can be seen in the characterization of... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on March 25, 2007
