I know that many critics adore the films of Robert Altman. While I have enjoyed some of his films, I have never understood the appeal of many of his movies...including the latest I watched, "California Split".
The movie's style makes it look like the movie is pretty much scriptless....something some Altman fans love...but this, along with the incredible unlikability of the two leads make this a difficult film.
It begins with Bill and Charlie (George Segal and Elliot Gould) playing poker and both winning. However, as the two new acquaintances leave with their money, they lose it even more quickly as they are jumped an beaten up...something that seems to happen a lot to these guys. And, the movie follows them as they go to racetracks as well as Reno...pushing for that big payoff that will bail them out of debt.
The film features a lot of grubby, unlikable sorts...the sorts of folks who are not much fun to watch. Overall, a very unpleasant sort of picture...one that at least does show the very ugly side of addiction. But fun to watch? You have to be kidding!
By the way, if you did watch this film, do you have any idea WHY the pair were arrested after they were beaten and robbed early in the movie? I really didn't understand this.
The movie's style makes it look like the movie is pretty much scriptless....something some Altman fans love...but this, along with the incredible unlikability of the two leads make this a difficult film.
It begins with Bill and Charlie (George Segal and Elliot Gould) playing poker and both winning. However, as the two new acquaintances leave with their money, they lose it even more quickly as they are jumped an beaten up...something that seems to happen a lot to these guys. And, the movie follows them as they go to racetracks as well as Reno...pushing for that big payoff that will bail them out of debt.
The film features a lot of grubby, unlikable sorts...the sorts of folks who are not much fun to watch. Overall, a very unpleasant sort of picture...one that at least does show the very ugly side of addiction. But fun to watch? You have to be kidding!
By the way, if you did watch this film, do you have any idea WHY the pair were arrested after they were beaten and robbed early in the movie? I really didn't understand this.