Director Robert Altman, famous for his ability to turn any genre inside out, takes aim at film noir with this evocative adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel. Altman's Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould) is a relatively unsuccessful private eye living and working in 1970s Los Angeles. Stepping into the shoes of the notorious detective, Gould delivers a captivating performance that is the definition of '70s hip: he spends the entire film mumbling to himself, smoking cigarettes, and making wisecracks to everyone he encounters. This time around, Marlowe decides to investigate the supposed suicide of his friend Terry Lennox (Jim Bouton). At the same time, he's hired by Lennox's beautiful neighbor, Eileen Wade (Nina Van Pallandt), to track down her husband Roger (Sterling Hayden), a successful author and belligerent alcoholic. Slowly, the mystery begins to reveal itself, as Marlowe discovers that Eileen's relationship with his dead friend was more than merely casual. All the while, Marlowe must contend with police, a psychopathic gangster (Mark Rydell), and a host of other characters and situations that make up the hazy existential malaise that is the world of THE LONG GOODBYE.
Altman's particular brand of filmmaking hits stride with this brilliant revisionist noir thriller photographed by the great Vilmos Zsigmond (MCCABE & MRS. MILLER, HEAVEN'S GATE). John Williams' score consists of several ironic variations on the title composition, which provides the film with an added comic punch.
Theatrical release: March 7, 1973
THE LONG GOODBYE was released in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago on March 7, 1973, then released in New York City with a new advertising campaign on October 28, 1973. Then, the film was rereleased in Los Angeles and other major cities in December of 1973.
Shot on location in Malibu, Hollywood, and Westwood California, and Tepoztlan and Chiconcuac, Mexico.
The role of Roger Wade was originally to be played by Dan Blocker, who died May 13, 1973. The film is dedicated to him. Blocker was replaced by Sterling Hayden.
Arnold Schwarzenegger makes an early screen appearance in an uncredited role as one of Rydell's evil henchman.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
Letterbox - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers:
1. Original Theatrical Trailer
2. Radio Spots
Featurette:
1. RIP VAN MARLOWE
2. VILMOS ZSIGMOND FLASHES THE LONG GOODBYE
Story
Raymond Chandler: American Crime Noir Author
Director of Photography
Vilmos Zsigmond: Hungarian Director of Photography
Review 1:
"...Once again with THE LONG GOODBYE, Altman has found the right form to render a state of chaos..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.51-2 12/01/1973
Review 2:
"...[A] cult classic..."
Source: USA Today
p.5D 09/19/2002
Review 3:
"...Subverting genre to telling effect, Altman ensures that the values of his central character are at odds with his society's cynicism....One of Altman's finest achievements..." -- 5 out 5 stars
Source: Total Film
p.92 02/01/2001
Review 4:
"Altman's movie leaves a deliciously sour aftertaste."
Source: Uncut
p.82 01/01/2005
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