Cookie's Fortune
Welcom to Holly Springs..Home of murder, mayhem, and catfish enchiladas.
The small southern town of Holly Springs hasn't had such a claim to fame since the advance of General Grant was halted there in 1862. But now the mysterious death of Holly Springs matriarch Jewel Mae known affectionately as "Cookie", has the small town in an uproar. Who is the murderer?
Where is the murderer? Has there even been a murder? Robert Altman skillfully directs an all-star cast in this small town comedy rich in family secrets, pulic loyalties, private rivalries and the jar at the back of the cupboard that contains Cookie's Fortune.
Member Reviews
Definitely fun - lalexander
Definitely fun. I can't say it is my favourite Altman movie but still enjoyed it. Was not as interested in the characters as I usually am in his movies but could be just a personal thing. If you are a fan of his movie you should still watch it. They won't let me submit a review less than 50 words but I think this if fine. So here it goes.Altman, In High Form, Turns Out A Gem - CharleyJames
Cookie's Fortune is by Robert Altman, which means it will delight some people and irritate others. Fans will be glad to know that it uses his distinctive style: Roving camera, improvised acting and unpredictable twists.
Cookie is a Mississippi matriarch who spends her time reminiscing about the days when she was younger and happier. Her best friend is a black workman who's helped her after her husband died.
Her closest relatives are three women: Camille, a culture-vulture who's staging a theatrical production in the local church; Cora, who's can’t escape Camille's overbearing shadow; and Emma, a gorgeous young girl caught between two suitors.
The story takes off when Cookie dies unexpectedly and police launch an investigation into her death. This is no easy task since Camille and Cora tampered with the evidence in hopes of firming up their inheritance.
Cookie's helper is arrested for killing her even though he's so famously honest that the sheriff doesn't bother to lock his cell door. He passes the time with Emma while the cops pursue their inquiry, the town's only lawyer prepares his defense and Camille rehearses half the local population in Salome, her improbable choice for the Easter pageant.
Like all Altman movies, the plot is a loosely strung excuse for a series of digressions, distractions and diversions that are the real interest. Cookie's Fortune is less a story than a kindly study of human foibles, roaming through its Deep South location like a sharp-eyed traveler on the lookout for tantalizing anecdotes to share with the folks back home.
There’s excellent acting by Patricia Neal as the widow, Glenn Close and Julianne Moore as her nieces, Liv Tyler as Cora's daughter, Chris O'Donnell and Lyle Lovett as the men in her life, and Charles Dutton as the man accused of doing Cookie in.
Altman is one of very few directors who could assemble such a superb ensemble and he makes the most of it from first scene to lasAnother Altman Jewel - footnote
This movie left me with a big ol’ smile on my face. Very entertaining, in the style of a Shakespearean comedy (with different accents). It is definitively a farce, but with some of the Bard’s gentle social chastising as well. The ensemble cast is highly impressive. Glenn Close is amazing, I wanted to reach out and strangle her character (and not just because of her eerie resemblance to my mother in-law).
Altman sets up a blatant and obvious emotional rollercoaster with the plot. However, this movie does work on a deeper level as well. You can enjoy it at face value, but watch carefully for the first 10 minutes and consider your initial reaction to the characters. And make note of where the camera lingers at times, nothing in an Altman film is done by accident. Finally, if you can figure out what Lyle Lovett is all about, you’ll have achieved enlightenment. Let me and Julia Roberts in on your findings.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Definitely fun - lalexander
Definitely fun. I can't say it is my favourite Altman movie but still enjoyed it. Was not as interested in the characters as I usually am in his movies but could be just a personal thing. If you are a fan of his movie you should still watch it. They won't ...Altman, In High Form, Turns Out A Gem - CharleyJames
Cookie's Fortune is by Robert Altman, which means it will delight some people and irritate others. Fans will be glad to know that it uses his distinctive style: Roving camera, improvised acting and unpredictable twists.
Cookie is a Mississippi matriarch ...Another Altman Jewel - footnote
This movie left me with a big ol’ smile on my face. Very entertaining, in the style of a Shakespearean comedy (with different accents). It is definitively a farce, but with some of the Bard’s gentle social chastising as well. The ensemble cast is highly impressive. ...