The Sad Death of a True Cinematic Master

November 20th saw the passing of director Robert Altman.  Altman, 81 died on Monday at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles from complications due to cancer.  He was in pre-production on a film HANDS ON A HARD BODY he had planned to start shooting in February.

His last film A Prairie Home Companion, just released last summer typifies the kind of ensemble film he was famous for.  Cineastes will remember his best films (and my personal favorites) - M*A*S*H*, Nashville, The Player, Short Cuts, The Long Goodbye, McCabe and Mrs Miller and Gosford Park.  He is survived by wife Kathryn and children.

He deservedly received an Honorary Academy Award this year recognizing his career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form and inspired filmmakers and audiences alike.  We will all surely miss this great artist.