Robert Altman was one of the most legendary directors in Hollywood history. He had a style of film that is unmistakable. He came before the likes of Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma and was already making waves in the film industry before they had begun their careers. Considered a fresh take on filmmaking at the time, Altman's signature was stories involving an ensemble cast, using overlapping dialogue to craft movies that dug deep into capturing a sense of realism.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Altman was a director, screenwriter, and producer. He came of professional age in the New Hollywood Era, which, per Studio Binder, was a sort of cultural movement in cinema in the 60s and 70s, prompted by newfound academic forays and led by film students desiring to "challenge the stagnant status quo" of Hollywood's Studio System. Throughout his career, Altman earned five Best Director Oscar nominations, cementing his status as one of the most prolific directors in film history. These are his best movies, ranked.
7 Gosford Park
Gosford Park was released in 2001 and was a huge success among audiences and critics. Julian Fellowes would win an Oscar for his participation in the film, however, unfortunately Altman would miss out on another Oscar opportunity for his own direction. Set in the 1930s, the film is a murder mystery which has a plot that is scattered in multiple directions. The film is quintessentially Altman in style, featuring seductive bustle, piercing humor, and complex sound design, which all combine to make a showstopping feature film. The ensemble cast is excellent, consisting of: Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott-Thomas, and Clive Owen. It’s well worth a watch and shows Altman’s talent at its best.
6 California Split
California Split was another success of the 70s for Altman. Released in 1974, the film is a comedy centering around two gamblers who are chasing a lucky streak to find success. The film is notable for the plot being extremely difficult to define and feeling confusing at times. While California Split might feel dated today, with scenes that don’t hold to modern perspective, it’s an important film in the history of cinema.
5 Secret Honor
Secret Honor was released in 1984 and stars Philip Baker Hall as Richard Nixon, who is frustrated and alone after his resignation as President of the United States. He begins to record his thoughts about his time as President and the events that led to his current situation. The script assumes that the audience already knows a lot about Watergate and the wars that Nixon became involved in with the media throughout his time in power. The film therefore does not seek to be a source of education, teaching the audience about the events that led up to Nixon’s demise, but rather as a kind of historical artifact that operates from the inside, illustrating how characters in the story felt about the historical events. Secret Honor is character-focused as we see Nixon roam around a new world that is unfamiliar to him, which makes it one of the more unique movies about American Presidents.
4 Popeye
Popeye was released in 1980 and is one of the few comic book movies that stays completely true to its original source. The film is set in the town of Sweethaven, and Robin Williams plays the well-known sailor, with Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl. Popeye is visually joyful and is different from the typical Altman film, standing the test of time when watched today.
3 3 Women
1977 saw the release of 3 Women, which is a complex film that stands the test of time as one of the most important in Altman’s filmography. The first half is a comedy about mismatched flatmates, who are played by Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek. This part of the film feels light in its nature, and this makes the rest of the film all the more unexpected. 3 Women quickly erupts into a bold narrative where characters' realities become broken, and they are tasked with holding themselves together. It’s a totally unique film whose influence can be felt in later films directed by David Lynch.
2 McCabe & Mrs. Miller
1971 saw the release of McCabe & Mrs. Miller, a truly important film that become a significant influence on future filmmakers. The film is a romantic anti-western that follows Warren Beatty, who builds a brothel in a mining town, which doesn't sit well with its inhabitants. Julie Christie plays the madam of the brothel, and they both have excellent chemistry throughout. The film is visually stunning and there has been nothing quite like it since.
1 Nashville
Nashville is a truly iconic film and deserves its place at the top spot of this list. The film was released in 1975 and was a statement film about Bicentennial-era America. It featured the screenwriting talents of Joan Tewkesbury, which became scattered across a dozen characters and became a commentary on celebrity worship and an evolving America. The film did not initially set out to be such a commentary-type of film and is an example fo an accidental classic. It has stood the test of time and influenced countless films that have come after it.