description The Long Goodbye Overview
Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye relocates Raymond Chandler's detective fiction to the Los Angeles of the 1970s. Released in 1973, it stars Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, whose habits and personal loyalties seem out of step with the people around him. A favor for a friend draws him into a case where explanations keep shifting and conventional detective authority offers little comfort. The loose adaptation gives everyday behavior and passing conversation unusual space.
Its wandering rhythm blends observational realism with deliberate stylistic flourishes, making atmosphere as important as the mechanics of the mystery. Within neo-noir, it stands out for questioning the usefulness of the honorable private eye rather than simply updating his surroundings. It suits viewers interested in morally ambiguous character studies and crime stories shaped by disillusionment.
help The Long Goodbye FAQ
How does Robert Altman's 1973 film 'The Long Goodbye' differ from Raymond Chandler's novel?
Director Robert Altman transformed Raymond Chandler's 1953 novel by updating the setting to 1970s Los Angeles and adopting a highly satirical tone. The film famously subverts the original story by changing the ending, giving the plot a much darker twist.
Who played Philip Marlowe in 'The Long Goodbye'?
Elliott Gould stars as the private detective Philip Marlowe, offering a highly unconventional and cynical take on the character. Gould's Marlowe is anachronistic, wandering around 1970s Los Angeles in a 1940s suit.
What is the recurring musical theme in 'The Long Goodbye'?
The movie features a recurring musical motif based on the song 'The Long Goodbye' written by John Williams and Johnny Mercer. The melody is played in different styles throughout the film, including a supermarket door chime and a marching band.
Who wrote the screenplay for 'The Long Goodbye'?
Leigh Brackett wrote the screenplay adaptation for the 1973 film. She was a legendary science fiction writer who also famously co-wrote the screenplay for 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
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