Images (1972)

 

Schizophrenic housewife, engulfed by terrorizing apparitions, kills off each, unknowing if these demons are merely figments of her hallucinatory imagination or part of reality. 

Artsy psychological horror-drama with great Vilmos Zsigmond cinematography and a memorable performance by Susannah York overstretches its predictable doppelgänger motive and disappoints at the end.

Halliwell (no star): "Pretentious psycho-drama which might have made a good half-hour."

Maltin***1/2: "Difficult but fascinating film...images of reality and fantasy clash in a kind of continuous hallucination. Off-putting at first, but worth the effort to hang on." 

New acquisition: Images (1972)

 

3 Women (1977)

On the set: Shelley Duvall

(ph: Carinthia West)

Quintet (1979)

During a future ice age, dying humanity occupies its remaining time by playing a board game called "Quintet." For one small group, this obsession is not enough; they play the game with living pieces ... and only the winner survives.

From memory: Leftfield sci-fi drama with a star cast is fascinating to watch, but seems to be nothing more than a by-the-side exercise for its director.

Halliwell (no star): "Dismayingly pretentious claptrap which did it's star's career no good at all."

Maltin**: "Pretentious, unappealing story...Not as puzzling as it is ponderous."

A Wedding (1978)

The daughter of a Louisville truck driver marries the scion of a very wealthy family, but reception at the family estate is boycotted by the invited guests.

From memory: This biting satire is a good display of Altman's mastery at directing a massive cast in chaos, but it lacks cohesion - and humor.

Halliwell* "Wide-ranging satirical comedy which despite excellent moments goes on far too long, is rather too black, and is sabotaged by the director's penchant for having fourteen people talking at the same time. An exhausting experience."

Maltin**1/2: "Unfocused look...some amusing moments and pointed characterizations, but doesn't quite jell."

Brewster McCloud (1970)

An introverted loner living in the bowels of the Astrodome plots to develop - with the aid of a mysterious guardian angel - a pair of wings that will help him fly.

Lively, wild and chaotic comedy is only occasionally funny; seems to want to say something about flying and freedom, but doesn't really.

Halliwell (no star): "Anarchic, allegorical fantasy, a delight no doubt for connoisseurs of way-out humour. Everyone else, forget it."

Maltin***: "Patently indescribable movie...Extremely bizarre; for certain tastes, extremely funny. Altman fans have a head start."

New acquisition: Brewster McCloud (1970)

3 Women (1977)

Brewster McCloud (1970)

3 Women (1977)