Altman is a feature-length documentary film directed by Canadian filmmaker Ron Mann that explores the life and career of the legendary American filmmaker Robert Altman. The film is a comprehensive look at Altman's fifty-year career and the various stages of his life, from his early days in Kansas City to his rise to fame as one of the most influential filmmakers in the world.
The documentary is presented through a combination of archival footage, interviews with Altman's family and colleagues, and clips from his most famous films. In addition to exploring Altman's creative process and his contributions to American cinema, the film also delves into his personal life and struggles with addiction, as well as his relationships with his family and collaborators.
Throughout the film, Mann presents Altman as a maverick and innovator who refused to adhere to Hollywood conventions and instead forged his own path. From his groundbreaking use of overlapping dialogue in MASH to his exploration of interconnected narratives in Short Cuts, Altman's films were often challenging and unconventional, pushing the boundaries of what cinema could be.
Altman features interviews with many of Altman's collaborators, including Julianne Moore, Robin Williams, and Lily Tomlin, as well as rare archival footage of Altman himself. The film provides a comprehensive look at one of America's most important and influential filmmakers, and serves as a celebration of Altman's life and legacy.
