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The Long Goodbye (1973)

9.1

Excellent

language

description The Long Goodbye (1973) Overview

Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye is a revisionist take on the classic detective story, infused with a cynical sense of humor and a distinctive 1970s aesthetic. Elliott Gould stars as Philip Marlowe, a private investigator navigating a morally ambiguous world. The films languid pace, unconventional soundtrack, and Altmans signature improvisational style create a unique and captivating neo-noir experience. It subverts the tropes of the genre while retaining its core elements.

info The Long Goodbye (1973) Specifications

Genre	Neo-noir, Mystery, Thriller
Runtime	112 minutes
Based On	The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (1953)
Director	Robert Altman
Lead Actor	Elliott Gould
Aspect Ratio	1.85:1
Release Year	1973
Color Process	Color (Panavision)
Cinematography	Gabriel Figueroa
Original Score	John Williams
Supporting Cast	Nina Van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Henry Gibson, Mark Rydell
Production Studio	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

balance The Long Goodbye (1973) Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros

check Robert Altman's masterful direction creates a haunting, atmospheric neo-noir experience
check Elliott Gould delivers an iconic, unconventional Philip Marlowe performance that redefines the detective archetype
check Vivid recreation of early 1970s Los Angeles with authentic locations and cultural atmosphere
check John Williams' jazz-infused score perfectly complements the film's moody aesthetic
check Thoughtful adaptation that updates Chandler's novel to a contemporary setting while retaining core themes
check Strong supporting cast including Nina Van Pallandt and Sterling Hayden add depth to the narrative

thumb_down Cons

close Deliberately slow, languid pacing will frustrate viewers expecting conventional thriller momentum
close Significant departures from Chandler's novel may alienate literary purists expecting fidelity to the source
close Minimal action sequences make the film less appealing to audiences seeking detective genre excitement
close The film's cynical, amoral tone lacks the romantic idealism of classic noir
close Some dated 1970s stylistic choices may feel heavy-handed to modern viewers

help The Long Goodbye (1973) FAQ

How does The Long Goodbye (1973) differ from Raymond Chandler's original novel?

Altman's film transplants Chandler's 1940s plot to 1970s Los Angeles, removing or altering major plot elements. The ending is significantly changed, and Marlowe's character is reimagined as more passive and world-weary than his literary counterpart.

Is The Long Goodbye considered a true film noir?

It's classified as a neo-noir, meaning it updates noir conventions for a modern era. While it features noir elements like moral ambiguity and a detective protagonist, its 1970s aesthetic and Altman's naturalistic style distinguish it from classic 1940s noir.

What makes Elliott Gould's Philip Marlowe different from other adaptations?

Gould plays Marlowe as more ironic, detached, and contemporary than previous portrayals. His Marlowe is less hardboiled and more reflective, embodying 1970s disillusionment rather than 1940s romanticism.

Why is The Long Goodbye considered a cult classic?

The film initially received mixed reviews but gained appreciation over time for its bold stylistic choices, atmospheric cinematography, and Gould's unique performance. It influenced later neo-noir films and is now regarded as a seminal work in the genre.

What streaming platforms offer The Long Goodbye?

Availability varies by region and platform. It has appeared on criterion channel, various streaming services, and can be rented or purchased digitally through Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.

What is The Long Goodbye (1973)?

Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye is a revisionist take on the classic detective story, infused with a cynical sense of humor and a distinctive 1970s aesthetic. Elliott Gould stars as Philip Marlowe, a private investigator navigating a morally ambiguous world. The films languid pace, unconventional soundtrack, and Altmans signature improvisational style create a unique and captivating neo-noir experience. It subverts the tropes of the genre while retaining its core elements.

How good is The Long Goodbye (1973)?

The Long Goodbye (1973) scores 9.1/10 (Excellent) on Lunoo, making it one of the highest-rated options in the Movie category. The Long Goodbye earns its 9.1/10 rating through Altman's visionary direction and Gould's distinctive performance that elevate the material far above...

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Is The Long Goodbye (1973) worth it in 2026?

With a score of 9.1/10, The Long Goodbye (1973) is highly rated in Movie. See all Movie ranked.

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