I don’t recall where when or how I learned of “Short Cuts,” an unheralded indie flick. Released in 1993 with an ensemble cast, multiple storylines, and plots and characters that are unrelated at the start intersecting in organic ways by the end is right up my alley.
It’s not easy to find on major streaming platforms, but I was able to watch via YouTube uploads that one can search for easily if so inclined.
The dramedy was inspired by various short stories penned by Raymond Carver, with the screenplay written by Robert Altman and Frank Barhydt, with Altman also directing. Clocking in at 3 hours, “Short Cuts” follows twenty-plus characters in various arcs, set across several days in the city of Los Angeles.
The Cast
The film boasts major star presence, with a mix of upcomers, legends, and popular musicians. Naming them all would be tedious. Andie MacDowell, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Robert Downey Jr, Tim Robbins, Chris Penn, Frances McDormand, Peter Gallagher, Jack Lemmon – just some of the Hollywood names that fill the credits.
Musicians Lyle Lovett, Huey Lewis, and an excellent Tom Waits lend support. There are no weak links and no primary leads. The film is a true ensemble presentation.
Short Cuts
The film opens with a flight of helicopters crossing Los Angeles and spraying for medflies. The sequence introduces us to the characters of the film, each involved in their own lives and realistic drama. On their own, the sub-plots wouldn’t make for a great movie. But together, they work for some reason.
The Wymans (Julianne Moore and Matthew Modine) are attending a concert. He’s a doctor, she’s a painter. It’s a fascinating marriage of science and the arts.
Sherri Shepard (the beautiful Madeleine Stowe) is fighting with her adulterous husband (Tim Robbins) a lecherous police officer. They have noisy kids and a constant barking mutt that add to the strained relationship.
Jerry (Chris Penn) is a pool cleaner married to Lois (Jennifer Jason Leigh) a phone sex operator. The couple provide perfect humor as Lois talks dirty while feeding her toddler and dressed in anything other than sexy lingerie, with Jerry looking on in a fury that only Chris Penn could do.
My favorite characters are Doreen (Lily Tomlin) a waitress, and Earl (Tom Waits) her alcoholic husband. They live in a trailer, constantly bicker, and have the relationship one might expect.
Sonder
Robert Altman provides great visuals throughout the film. The movie opens strong as the city and characters are set up. Theres a combination of suburban homes and neon marquees that make the world feel lived in. Everyone is connected and everyone is separate. The shots move fast so pay attention. Blink and you may miss something important.
“Short Cuts” reminded me of the Richard Linklater gem “Slacker.” The word sonder – the realization and understanding that all other people have lives as complex as one’s own is the key to viewing. Everyone has their own story, and everyone is the main character of that plot. And often these worlds collide.
Don’t let the 3-hour run intimidate you. “Short Cuts” is a great watch that will make you forget the time. It’s a fascinating film crafted in an indie style from the past, and definitely worth watching.
