Robert Altman is the king of all filmmakers in two regards: 1 being hisability to cast anyone he wants in a picture, and 2, his keen eye and skill at putting together a carousel of characters, situations, and dialogue that uniquely captures a piece of the American way. Just see NASHVILLE, his 1976 masterpiece about mayhem in the heartland and the overwhelming political element in this country (even in the country singing capital of the world).
COOKIE'S FORTUNE is Altman at his simplistic best, light years from the ferocity of THE PLAYER and still as fresh and innovative as his first classic, M*A*S*H.
Glenn Close delivers a Gloria Swanson-like portrayal of a demented southern belle whose bell seems to have rung one too many times. Her performance is over-the-top but effective. The "fortune" of the film's title is not exactly what you'd might expect if you know COOKIE'S FORTUNE's premise, however Close keeps the viewer thinking maybe she knows something we do not.
The fact that she eats a certain note is stunningly hilarious.
The rest of the cast is great. Ned Beatty talks about fishing as if it was a form of breathing for him and he never strays away from this simple-mindedness. Neither do any of the less-than-brilliant characters. Charles Dutton is the dramatic centerpiece and pillar who exists at the most important points of this charade Altman is depicting. He and Liv Tyler have some nice moments together. Racial harmony is even touched upon with Dutton's conflict and is integral at tying the film's sometimes loose ends together (at times you remain confused as to who is Cookie's daughter or daughters and whether or not Tyler is the granddaughter).
Keep an eye out for Chris O'Donnel's best performance in years, however brief it is. His simple police officer brought me to laughter many times, partly because O'Donnel is masterfully overplaying him. That is the point.
There are many motiffs surrounding the goofy citizens of this small town (police tape, open glass doors with guns behind them), but the film is indeed as simple as it appears which is good. Altman still employs the overlapping dialogue and scenery he so expertly displayed in SHORT CUTS and THE PLAYER. See the film for an entertaining romp with a glint of American commentary that is enough to make COOKIE'S FORTUNE both important and delightful.
COOKIE'S FORTUNE is Altman at his simplistic best, light years from the ferocity of THE PLAYER and still as fresh and innovative as his first classic, M*A*S*H.
Glenn Close delivers a Gloria Swanson-like portrayal of a demented southern belle whose bell seems to have rung one too many times. Her performance is over-the-top but effective. The "fortune" of the film's title is not exactly what you'd might expect if you know COOKIE'S FORTUNE's premise, however Close keeps the viewer thinking maybe she knows something we do not.
The fact that she eats a certain note is stunningly hilarious.
The rest of the cast is great. Ned Beatty talks about fishing as if it was a form of breathing for him and he never strays away from this simple-mindedness. Neither do any of the less-than-brilliant characters. Charles Dutton is the dramatic centerpiece and pillar who exists at the most important points of this charade Altman is depicting. He and Liv Tyler have some nice moments together. Racial harmony is even touched upon with Dutton's conflict and is integral at tying the film's sometimes loose ends together (at times you remain confused as to who is Cookie's daughter or daughters and whether or not Tyler is the granddaughter).
Keep an eye out for Chris O'Donnel's best performance in years, however brief it is. His simple police officer brought me to laughter many times, partly because O'Donnel is masterfully overplaying him. That is the point.
There are many motiffs surrounding the goofy citizens of this small town (police tape, open glass doors with guns behind them), but the film is indeed as simple as it appears which is good. Altman still employs the overlapping dialogue and scenery he so expertly displayed in SHORT CUTS and THE PLAYER. See the film for an entertaining romp with a glint of American commentary that is enough to make COOKIE'S FORTUNE both important and delightful.