just watch it!

Don't Believe the Hype

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

I saw this movie in 1971 when I lived in New York City. I still remember it. I bought the book and wish it were autographed by one of the foremost cartoonists of The Village Voice. Perhaps the original, a play, was an extension of a cartoon he had in his mind. Definitely controversial. Hold onto your seat during the first scene. This movie is described as a "black comedy". Somehow,I didn't laugh, but then again I didn't laugh during the The Boy With Green Hair, either. Elliot Gould's role was exceptional as the husband in great despair whose vocation went on a downward spiral as a result of a shocking loss. There is a relationship between the era this movie was made and how life is today.(There is no spell check...sorry for any mistakes.)

There are so many classic lines in this script, they all quickly add up to a masterpiece. If you haven't seen this picture but want to know what it's like, check out an earlier post that has the text of the entire wedding scene, which is, I agree, one of Donald Sutherland's finest moments. Gloriously outrageous! And Lou Jacobi gets to let loose with his own crazed monologue. Everybody shines, from Vincent Gardenia to the smallest bit part, especially the actor, shockingly unlisted in IMDb's obviously incomplete cast list, as Arkin's 'normal' detective assistant. (Can anyone supply his name? He's great!) John Randolph and Doris Roberts, as Elliot Gould's intellectual but clueless parents, are priceless. EVERYBODY shines.Alan Arkin's direction (as well as his manic cameo) is nothing short of inspired. He is in perfect harmony with the actors, translating the stage play into a brilliant cinematic 'alternative' classic. One of his most effective surprise touches comes just after Alfred (Gould) does his monologue into a tape recorder. His speech has been low key and sustained. He stops speaking, and there is a silent pause. Then Alfred gets up, causing a loud scrape sound when his chair is pushed back, thus shattering the whole effect of the monologue.To me, every scene is a favorite. Just one example: Alfred and Patsy (the incredible Marcia Rodd) are having an argument. A heavy breather caller has been hassling Patsy regularly. He calls in the middle of their argument. Alfred answers. The caller breathes heavily. Alfred says: 'She can't talk now!' and hangs up.The very welcome DVD transfer is quite good, especially after so many viewings of a Betamax-taped TV airing (censored) from the early 80s. Its letterbox presentation shows off the glories of Gordon Willis' camera-work. It's plain to see why Coppola and Woody Allen snagged him to lens their own masterpieces.'Little Murders' holds up well because that's what classics are all about. Indeed, it is funnier, more sardonic, just as relevant, and better than ever.

Elliot Gould is stunningly attractive, which is one of only a few reasons why I watched this insane film all the way through. Each of the characters introduced are in their own right neurotic or uniquely nuts. The only fairly sane person is the young woman who falls in love and marries Gould in order to "change him". The brief appearance of Donald Sutherland as a very progressive minister, who prides himself on the high failure rate of the ceremonies he performs is amusing, as he frankly insults everyone gathered by pointing at their peculiarities, causing an eventual riot.It takes the film more than half of the running time to get a close up of the "little murders". The most shocking moment is when a blood-drenched Gould takes a subway ride, his visibly near-death appearance raising not a single eye-brow among the many commuters. A middle aged woman matter-of-factly announced that she was shot at, the bullet stopped by her her shopping bags. "Open up, I have leaking groceries". Bizarre! An irate police detective investigating the random murder spree is one of the "bigger nuts" in the cast. WOW! If you enjoy "shock value", then this film is for you. To me, the entire cast was made up of zombies who wander about their existence and can't be bothered by anything. The final scene is the culmination of bizarre occurrences. See for yourself, but for me, this was definitely a one-time-view.

Interesting 70s period piece starring Elliot Gould as a disaffected nihilist being brought out of his shell by 70s actress Marcia Rodd (the original Carol, TV's Maude's daughter before Adrienne Barbeau replaced her in the series) while around him New York City becomes more and more out of control. Lots of great performances by supporting players Vincent Gardenia, Elizabeth Wilson (Dustin Hoffman's mother in The Graduate), Lou Jacobi, etc. Political and pointed theater of the absurd brought to the film. Certainly not your average film as the film begins at already outrageous levels and proceeds to become unrealistic and extreme..ie. absurd to make its point. Good performances, especially that of Marcia Rodd (where have you gone Ms. Rodd? You were so much fun!!) can't save this film that although appearing to be tongue in cheek, actually takes itself far too seriously. Film was actually more enjoyable and made its political/social points better when the film was more based in reality...when the film got absurd..so did the point and the quality of the experience....