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In one of the funniest scenes, we’re told that there are no fewer than 40 documentary crews roaming the floor at the Democratic Convention. Even funnier is the fact that Altman didn’t make that up.
Murphy once again turns in the finest performance, though it´s a little depressing to see how time has treated Jack Tanner. Still kind and passionate, any vestiges of 60s idealism have finally been flensed altogether. Alex, herself clinging to the last remnants of childish innocence and naiveté, looks on in horror as she watches her father transform into the consummate politician, lying through his teeth on a talk show in order to secure a low-level cabinet position he´s been promised in a John Kerry administration.
"Tanner on Tanner" is not without its charms. It repeats to some effect the formula of the first series, mixing in appearances by real-life political figures and celebrities such as Scorsese, Steve Buscemi, Al Franken, Ron Reagan Jr. and Tom Brokaw. The coulda-been first daughter Alexandra Kerry, also shooting a documentary about her father, is particularly impressive, displaying remarkable poise and screen presence.
Fans of "Tanner ´88" will certainly want to check out the new series. Altman, like most directors who take constant risks, is often either infuriating or brilliant. "Tanner on Tanner" falls somewhere in between, not such a miscalculation that it will upset many, but also not so inspiring it will garner many passionate supporters. It´s surprisingly safe and middle-of-the-road for an Altman project, but when you´re as tireless and prolific as Altman, they can´t all be masterpieces.
VIDEO:
The DVD is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The image is clear and the movie is probably more technically polished than the original series. The transfer is top notch. No complaints.
AUDIO:
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Surround. Like the original, the sound design is fairly straightforward with only minimal effects and music. The dialogue is clear, although we are talking about an Altman film so you better just get used to having several people speaking at once. There are no subtitles. Optional English language Closed Captions support the audio.
EXTRAS:
In addition to a TV spot and a stills gallery, the DVD features approximately 17 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, mostly consisting of interviews with the filmmakers and lead actors. It´s pretty standard fare, and the best part is getting to see Altman at work on the set.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
The 2004 presidential election must have set a record for the number of political films produced about it or inspired by it. Was this just a boom caused by the seemingly "made-for-TV" drama generated by the controversial 2000 election or is it a sign of things to come? Maybe one of the problems with "Tanner on Tanner" is that what seemed fresh in 1988 just seems like old hat sixteen years later.
I hope we´re entering a new golden age for politically charged documentaries like we had in the 60s and early 70s (mostly inspired by the three headed monster of McCarthy, Nixon and Vietnam), but I´m going to remain a skeptic until I see what the next four years bring.
"Tanner on Tanner" is not without its charms. It repeats to some effect the formula of the first series, mixing in appearances by real-life political figures and celebrities such as Scorsese, Steve Buscemi, Al Franken, Ron Reagan Jr. and Tom Brokaw. The coulda-been first daughter Alexandra Kerry, also shooting a documentary about her father, is particularly impressive, displaying remarkable poise and screen presence.
Fans of "Tanner ´88" will certainly want to check out the new series. Altman, like most directors who take constant risks, is often either infuriating or brilliant. "Tanner on Tanner" falls somewhere in between, not such a miscalculation that it will upset many, but also not so inspiring it will garner many passionate supporters. It´s surprisingly safe and middle-of-the-road for an Altman project, but when you´re as tireless and prolific as Altman, they can´t all be masterpieces.
VIDEO:
The DVD is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The image is clear and the movie is probably more technically polished than the original series. The transfer is top notch. No complaints.
AUDIO:
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Surround. Like the original, the sound design is fairly straightforward with only minimal effects and music. The dialogue is clear, although we are talking about an Altman film so you better just get used to having several people speaking at once. There are no subtitles. Optional English language Closed Captions support the audio.
EXTRAS:
In addition to a TV spot and a stills gallery, the DVD features approximately 17 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, mostly consisting of interviews with the filmmakers and lead actors. It´s pretty standard fare, and the best part is getting to see Altman at work on the set.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
The 2004 presidential election must have set a record for the number of political films produced about it or inspired by it. Was this just a boom caused by the seemingly "made-for-TV" drama generated by the controversial 2000 election or is it a sign of things to come? Maybe one of the problems with "Tanner on Tanner" is that what seemed fresh in 1988 just seems like old hat sixteen years later.
I hope we´re entering a new golden age for politically charged documentaries like we had in the 60s and early 70s (mostly inspired by the three headed monster of McCarthy, Nixon and Vietnam), but I´m going to remain a skeptic until I see what the next four years bring.
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[release]14122[/release]