Page 6 October 20, 2016 EL SEGUNDO HERALD Film Review Robert Altman’s Classic ‘McCabe & Mrs. Miller’ is Criterion’s Latest Restoration By H. Nelson Tracey for www. cinemacy.com In conjunction with The Criterion Collection’s latest release, the Aero Theater recently hosted a double bill screening of Robert Altman’s “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971) as well as a documentary about its cinematographer “No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos” (2009). These two entries being screened together in a crowded theater of cinephiles (including members of the Altman family) was an excellent way to demonstrate the spirit and mission of The Criterion Collection as one of the few companies truly focused on preserving film for future generations. “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” is the most recent addition to the Criterion catalog, Warren Beatty and Julie Christie in ‘McCabe & Mrs. Miller.’ Courtesy of the Criterion Collection. and this is some insight as to why the 1971 film is worth a revisit today. First, Warren Beatty and Julie Christie play the titular McCabe & Mrs. Miller, respectively. It is set in the early 1900s in a frontiermining village in the Pacific Northwest where McCabe, a flawed businessman, attempts to build a brothel to make money off of the nearly all men town (ironically named Presbyterian Church). He crosses paths with the British prostitute Mrs. Miller, who quickly intervenes and says that if he’s starting a whore house, then she is to be his partner. McCabe, much to his chagrin, is persuaded into the agreement. The unlikely partners develop their ambitious goals as a frontier village slowly builds around them, with a colorful cast of miners, outlaws, prostitutes, and other townspeople all brave enough to endure this harsh American landscape. Amongst the auteur-loving crowd, Robert Altman stands shoulder to shoulder with Coppola or Scorsese. Among his signatures is his masterful use of ensemble casts, and “McCabe” is another incredible display of this talent. Sure, “Gosford Park” (2001), “Short Cuts” (1993), and “Nashville” (1975) boast more star-studded ensembles, but in this film, every single member of the small frontier town is a utilized and developed character. There are no ‘extras’ here: the townspeople are funny, endearing, and given storylines that play out in full. In the film’s climax, the nuanced development of the entire ensemble pays off as Altman stages a sequence that employs the entire town in a thrilling, unforgettable conclusion to the movie. It is worth emphasizing the importance of this new restoration as a way of keeping this film in the highest quality for which it was meant to be viewed. One of the treats after viewing this double feature, were the clips of the pre-restoration version in the documentary, which was released in 2009. The difference is stunning: shots beforehand are muted and darker shades blend together, whereas in the restoration, everything pops and the intentionality of the DP, Vilmos Zsigmond, is on display. Seeing the movie in theaters instead of on the Criterion disc meant that I would not be able to review any of the supplemental material, however the screening introduction by documentarian James Chressanthis included memorable anecdotes and insights into the film’s creation. On the note of cinematography, Altman and DP Zsigmond were both fed up with the oversaturated Technicolor look of Hollywood that was at the time the norm, so instead opted for a muddy, grainy look to establish the rough frontier town and the grit that came with it. When the studio received the dailies, they were horrified at the results. Altman reassured them that the Vancouver lab where the temp prints were being made (the film was shot in British Columbia) was not up-to-par and that the negatives would be just fine. He was, of course, fooling them and continued to shoot in this style so by the time they were done the studio had no choice but to release the film as such. This rebellious photography is still gorgeous in its own right and more importantly utilizes the visuals to convey the story at hand, always a notable mark of a master DP. Between the aforementioned photography, beautifully matched songs by Leonard Cohen, and memorable performances from the two lead actors, this film holds up as an essential example of American cinema at a time when the film industry was reaching a cultural explosion. For classic movie aficionados and casual moviegoers alike, there is much to be savored from the Criterion’s latest entry, “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.” • ening your financial IQ begins at home. Enhancing your home life with smart products can save you time, energy and money. By switching to a smart thermostat, which can turn on and off when you need to, you’ll save up to $145/year. 2. Cut The Cord. 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Strength- Burkley & Brandlin LLP A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W Living Trusts/Wills, Probate, Employment Law, Personal Injury Trust and Estates Litigation, Business Litigation, Civil Litiga tion 310-540-6000 Lifetime El Segundo Residents *AV Rated (Highest) Martindale - Hubbell / **Certified Specialist Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization Brian R. Brandlin • Bruce R. Brandlin • Christopher P. Brandlin City Council from page 4 confirmed that post office boxes that moved temporarily to Manhattan Beach after Mariposa had a flooding incident were not placed in the same order when returned to El Segundo. In an attempt to improve the exterior landscaping while being water-wise, crews planted cacti at Mariposa—but ultimately had to remove them because of potential dangers to kids. Campano said she asked her district to redo the landscaping. Councilmember Carol Pirsztuk thought it important to have a maintenance policy, telling Campano that “the building looks very derelict.” Also present was “Mr. Coleman,” Regional USPS Manger of Operations, who pledged to work on beautification measures and deal with neglected maintenance. He went on to admit that the organization is having “a hard time getting people to work for $18 an hour” and felt that a more stable workforce will help with delivery consistency. Mayor Fuentes expressed her disappointment about the closure of the old Main Street post office and criticized the “unforgivable state” of the Mariposa facility and the “horrendous” service. At the previous Council meeting, Paul Wilder complained about the flag at the Mariposa site not being lowered at night, calling it a sign of disrespect. Campano said she will make sure it is down every night, but will also buy a solar floodlight to illuminate it “in case they forget.” The response did not satisfy Wilder, who returned to the podium on Tuesday and accused Campano of showing contempt for the flag. He reported that the banner was in darkness on four occasions since late August and that his calls to her and Coleman went unanswered. “I will be a continued thorn in your side and that’s a promise,” Wilder said, while threatening to contact their bosses in Washington, D.C. as well as the Postmaster General. At the end of the evening, the Council adopted a resolution declaring opposition to Prop 57 (“The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016”) on the November ballot. Chief Tavera explained that while the intent may be to avoid prison overcrowding, the language of the measure could “release hundreds of dangerous felons” back on the streets. Prop 57 increases parole and good behavior opportunities for felons convicted of “non-violent” crimes, and allows judges (not prosecutors) to decide whether to try certain juveniles as adults in courts. But Tavera warned that the scope of what is considered a nonviolent crime includes assault with a deadly weapon, first degree burglary, human trafficking involving a sex act with minors, and rape of an unconscious person, among other offenses. Councilmember Mike Dugan dissented- -explaining that while he personally sides with Tavera and his colleagues on the issue, he doesn’t feel he should take a formal position on a ballot item and try to influence how local citizens vote. • Like Us on Facebook
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