Quintet
The Robert Altman Collection
Robert Altman’s Quintet is a stark, ambiguous thriller that reveals itself slowly. The setting is a frozen landscape in a futuristic world that is nearing extinction. Stripped of hobbies and creative outlets, the city’s inhabitants turn to an elaborate game called "Quintet" in which the participants battle each other to remain alive. When Essex (Paul Newman), a seal hunter from the south arrives in search of his brother, he finds himself thrust in the middle of a new game. He assumes the identity of a murdered player, Redstone, in order to investigate the killing of his brother and his hunting partner’s pregnant daughter Vivia (Brigitte Fossey). A mysterious cast of characters--including Ambrosia (Bibi Andersson), St. Christopher (Vittorio Gassman), Dueca (Nina Van Pallandt), and Grigor (Fernando Rey)--gradually exposes its less-than-noble intentions to Essex. As he uncovers clues that will help him solve the mystery, he must also face his own impending extinction.
Member Reviews
Quintet - itstheit
Kudos to the authentic production values, and originality in concept, but watching this is LITERALLY like watching someone else play an incredibly boring board game and being completely ignorant of its rules (and if THAT isn't bad enough, we're forced to watch the entire movie through what looks like a half-frosted window; it's intentional, yes, but trust me, it loses its novelty within the first few seconds).Left me cold - InpraiseofFolly
Although I usually enjoy movies which contain philosophical elements, I was unable to be drawn in to this one. It might have been my mood or other external problems, but I was constantly getting the feeling that something very important was missing. I can't quite put my finger on what the problem is. I'm not sure if it's the plot or the pacing or if the "twist" is just too obvious and anticlimactic. In any case, this was pretty unsatisfying for me.
Member Reviews
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Quintet - itstheit
Kudos to the authentic production values, and originality in concept, but watching this is LITERALLY like watching someone else play an incredibly boring board game and being completely ignorant of its rules (and if THAT isn't bad enough, we're forced to watch ...Left me cold - InpraiseofFolly
Although I usually enjoy movies which contain philosophical elements, I was unable to be drawn in to this one. It might have been my mood or other external problems, but I was constantly getting the feeling that something very important was missing. I can't ...