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Robert Altman RIP

The director of 'Gosford Park', 'Nashville' and 'MASH' has died at the age of 81.

Nov 21 2006

Hollywood heavyweight Robert Altman, director of 'MASH', 'Nashville' and 'Short Cuts', died in Los Angeles last night of complications due to cancer. He was 81.

A unique character who refused to play by the moviemaking rules during his long and illustrious career, Altman's films were characterised by their vast ensemble casts, overlapping dialogue and loose improvisational style.

Hits included 'McCabe and Mrs Miller', 'The Player' and 'Gosford Park', and he was nominated for five Academy Awards, finally receiving an honorary Oscar earlier this year.

His most recent film, the critically acclaimed 'A Prairie Home Companion', came out in America in June but has yet to receive a UK release.

Altman is survived by his wife Kathryn and five children, and a full tribute to this remarkable director will appear on the site later in the week.

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User comments on this story

  • David Badder said...
    Altman will be sorely missed. Most of your films were misunderstood and underrated. We all love the films counted as his successes. But what about Buffalo Bill, Jimmy Dean, Popeye, Quintet, 3 Women, Vincent & Theo, etc. I hope time willrecognise these films as among his best work and great films to boot. Posted on Jan 17 2007 07:48
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  • David Badder said...
    You will be sorely missed. Most of your films were misunderstood and underrated. We all love the films counted as his successes. But what about Buffalo Bill, Jimmy Dean, Popeye, Quintet, 3 Women, Vincent & Theo, etc. I hope time willrecognise these films as among his best work and great films to boot. Posted on Jan 17 2007 07:46
    Report as inappropriate
  • Sara Masson said...
    It's the long goodbye, Robert. We loved you very much
    Sara and Andy Posted on Nov 22 2006 07:28
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  • emily said...
    He changed the map. Posted on Nov 21 2006 16:12
    Report as inappropriate
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