Stream it now California Split 1974

 

Overall a good movie. But I have noo idea how to classify it or think about it. A completely different movie than what I've usually seen. I guess that is why it appealed to me.

"California Split" invites viewers to laugh at the saturated world of compulsive gambling, while getting them too close to feel any sort of comfort while doing it. The film is so skilled in balancing its unique blend of abashment and anxiousness that it actually replicates the feeling one gets while gambling. A major work by Altman, that doesn't get nearly the amount of acclaim it deserves.

Robert Altman rolls the dice with Elliott Gould and George Segal.

California Split (1974) - 7.5/10
Director - Robert Altman
Starring - George Segal, Elliott Gould, Ann Prentiss, Gwen Welles, Ed Walsh, Joseph Walsh, Bert Remsen

Bill (George Segal) and Charlie (Elliott Gould) are compulsive gamblers. Bill is on a losing streak; his marriage is on the rocks and he's about to lose his job. Charlie is a loose cannon living with two hookers (Ann Prentiss and Gwen Welles). The two men become buddies and hope that together they can turn their fortunes around.

"California Split" isn't considered to be one of Robert Altman's most significant works. That said it probably doesn't deserve to be one of his most forgotten works either. After five years of deconstructing genres Altman created an almost freestyle film. The narrative is loose, the improvisation manic and plot is virtually non-existent. And for the most part it works remarkably well because Altman is so in tune with the atmosphere of the film. From the opening scene the viewer feels like they are in the same smoke-filled room as Bill and Charlie. We become distracted by the faces, the noises, the livliness of the room. It certainly has a documentary feel to it. And Altman wastes no time in developing the quirks of the two main characters, assuring the viewer that we won't be wasting our time following these two guys. In fact when the films reaches a lull it almost seems intentional; the guys just lose steam for awhile.

Obviously Altman is a confident filmmaker, but even so this wouldn't work without the chemistry of the two leads. George Segal and Elliott Gould play off each other incredibly well. As genuine as the friendship appears, you can also sense how fragile it is, afterall these are complusive gamblers. One truly funny and telling scene show the two men drinking at a bar when one issues a bet; can you name the seven dwarfs? Eliott Gould has the best lines and he's comedic gold in this film. George Segal's character has more of an arc serving as the conscience of the film.

Fans of Altman will certainly appreciate "California Split" but I don't think you have to be an Altman fan to enjoy it. The film not only serves up its share of laughs, but it's also offers one of the best depictions of gambling seen on film.

A bit too scattered, and there are some downright boring stretches. Decent cast, but it just lacks focus. A little too talky at times as well. Still, some great scenes here and there.

I am not a big Altman fan, but I am a fan of gambling films when done right and this is it. Gets gambling down perfectly with two great characters.

A thoroughly delightful romp through the casinos of Vegas and Reno with two fellows really meant for each other. The chemistry here is fantastic, as is the dialogue. Robert Altman really knew how to make a fun movie without all the agendas present in film today. I am not a gambler, but this bet certainly paid off. The ending is marvelous, as are most Altman films.

The Emperor's New Groove
Directed by: Mark Dindal



This is an Altman film with an Altman feel...so automatically, it was at least that much fun to watch.

That said, some of Altman's films just don't quite click with me. I can't explain why, but I loved McCabe & Mrs Miller, but not Nashville. I love Secret Honor, but not The Player. I can't honestly articulate why some of his films click so much more with me then others, but this one definately belongs to the second group. I enjoyed it as an Altman film, and it had some good scenes, good acting, etc. But somehow, this film about loser gamblers just didn't click. Maybe it just needs a second viewing. As it is, I'm chocking this up to one of Altman's weaker efforts.

6.0

A movie with good performances and an interesting story.

Directed by Robert Altman, "California Split" is a rambling, episodic tale of two small-time compulsive gamblers in Los Angeles. Though they share an obsession that rules their lives, they could not be any more different. Charlie Waters(Elliott Gould) enjoys gambling, lives by his wits and bets on anything and everything. However, Bill Denny(George Segal) is miserable and gambling does little for him. He still has one foot in the mundane world by working as a writer for a magazine but he is also divorced, gambling possibly having ruined his marriage.

By eschewing a traditional narrative structure, Robert Altman is able to avoid the cliches that occur in most addiction movies(such cliches explaining why I have not been favoring any of the drug movies I have seen recently). The movie does not pass judgment, just observing and trying to get inside the gamblers' heads. And thanks to two excellent lead performances, it succeeds.

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