This biographical documentary traces the idiosyncratic career path of iconic director Robert Altman, charting a filmography that spanned over fifty years and earned him five Oscar nominations for classics such as Mash, Nashville, The Player, Short Cuts, and Gosford Park. Assembled with the help of Altman’s widow Kathryn and a wealth of home movies, archival interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, Ron Mann’s film lets Altman tell his story largely in his own words, giving a rare insight into the mind of a moviemaking maverick whose uncompromising vision shaped the American filmmaking landscape for decades to come. The film is topped off by cameos from many of the faces that Altman collaborated with over the years, including Elliott Gould, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Lily Tomlin-as they answer one question: What is Altmanesque? Michigan Theater ticket prices apply.

Bonus live event! Stay after the film for a discussion with:

* Ron Mann, Director
* Kathryn Reed Altman, Robert Altman’s widow and the co-author of the new book, Altman
* Simon Ennis, the film’s Director of Photography
* Actor Michael Murphy, who starred in nine films directed by Robert Altman
* Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan, co-author of the new book, Altman

Mrs. Altman and Ms. Vallen will sign copies of their new book, which will be available for purchase in the lobby of the theater.

A screening of Altman’s classic film NASHVILLE will take place at 9:30 in the Screening Room. Michigan Theater ticket prices apply.

The University of Michigan Library, Special Collections is home to the Robert Altman Collection and both the documentary and the book drew heavily from the archive for source material and inspiration.