Writer/Director: Robert Altman
Starring: Tim Robbins, Whoopi Goldberg and Peter Gallagher
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Tim Robbins. Following his rise to stardom during the 1990’s, Robbins has made memorable movies. Whether it’s sexual abuse survivors, redemptive prisoners or bold police officers, Robbins has played countless interesting characters. Arguably, Robbins’ best strength as an actor has always been strong commitment towards craft. He is one of those rare actors that always poured his heart and soul into every role. Robbins has never been afraid of taking risks in his career by playing complicated characters which aren’t likeable. An actor with strong commitment towards his craft, Robbins has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Through his abilities to play compelling characters that audiences easily relate to, Robbins has become a celebrated icon which audiences value. Throughout his long-lasting career, Robbins has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Robbins and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “The Player” is my favourite. Released back in 1992, Robert Altman’s movie captured the life of a prestigious Hollywood producer. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and strong storytelling, it’s one of the best movies ever made about Hollywood. At the centre of it all is a brilliant performance by Tim Robbins, who portrays a Hollywood producer under pressure which receives death threats that causes disaster. Ultimately, what makes “The Player” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood targeted toward a limited audience, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about danger of fame which would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about Hollywood producers facing threats which are terrifying, there are many reasons why “The Player” is a film worth seeing.
Set in 1980’s Hollywood, “The Player” tells the story of a studio executive which faces death threats that are misunderstood. Tim Robbins portrays Griffin Mil, a prestigious producer in Hollywood. Griffin has always been successful at doing his job of managing making movies. However, Griffin’s life forever changes when he receives death threats from a stranger causing disaster. Disturbed by death threats shattering his self confidence, Griffin begins to question his experience. Feeling humiliated by insults that over time prove to be terrifying, Griffin begins questioning if it is possible for him to achieve success in a job that is frightening. As all the odds are clearly stacked against his favour, Griffin begins to wonder if it’s possible for him to become a successful Hollywood producer.
Robert Altman is fascinated with the stories of Hollywood. A legendary filmmaker, Altman has often made engaging movies about the lives of Hollywood actors. With “The Player”, however, the filmmaker created his first satire. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of Hollywood producers whose lives are in grave danger but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Altman captures a Hollywood producer embarking on a journey to find his identity. Altman effectively employs handheld camerawork to capture tensions that Hollywood producers in tough professions that face death threats are enduring. For instance, handheld camerawork enhances the death threat scene. During this unforgettable scene, Griffin is shocked to discover that he has been receiving death threats which are frightening. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique to use in films. As claimed by Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption”, shaky camera elevates movies about prison. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals. Altman captures the hardships which Hollywood studio executives under pressures are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Player” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Evoking Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown”, Altman expertly uses locations in Los Angeles to capture tense hardships producers seeking success in Hollywood are facing. For instance, the locations in Hollywood enhance the party scene. During this captivating scene, Griffin attends an elaborate party in L.A. attended by famous actors. Through real-life locations in L.A., Altman created a strong portrait of a city audiences can relate to in every way. L.A. is a complicated setting to use in films. As Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential” suggested, Los Angeles elevates crime classics about cops. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Thomas Newman’s music is key to success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that producers in Hollywood bear. Through powerful production design, Altman captures the lives of producers in Hollywood that decline.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “The Player” is a film about Hollywood that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture tensions of Hollywood producers that endure violence. For instance, silence enhances the murder scene. During this memorable scene, Griffin faces a frightening dilemma when he commits murder of a screenwriter that’s terrifying. Through the use of silence, Altman creates a compelling character that viewers relate to. Silence is a complicated technique to employ in movies. As Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” suggested, silence elevates commemorated horror movies about isolation. John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” demonstrated silence elevates commemorated apocalyptic movies about silent survival. That being said, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a superb screenplay, Altman captures the lives of commemorated producers seeking a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tim Robbins delivers one of his finest career performances as Griffin. Robbins achieved appreciation for playing inmates that face wrongful convictions in prisons. With “The Player”, however, he took on his most bold character. It isn’t easy to play a disturbed Hollywood producer facing tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures angst, desperation and grief of a Hollywood producer facing tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most celebrated actors which is currently working in the film industry today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Tim Robbins, the supporting cast of also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Whoopi Goldberg is wonderful, bringing a strong sense of authority to a detective investigating a grim murder mystery. Richard E. Grant is amazing. bringing enthusiasm to an actor that excels at pitching ideas about movies that are exciting. Lastly, John Cusack merits appreciation. As a troubled celebrity, he makes a strong cameo in the movie.
Finally, “The Player” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing lives of celebrities that face disaster. Unlike most films about famous Hollywood producers, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses relatable themes including identity, grief and fame that would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the film industry to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangerous consequences of fame which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Player” is one of those rare commemorated films about Hollywood everyone would adore.
Fans of Tim Robbins will definitely appreciate “The Player” and so will movie-goers seeking engaging entertainment. A captivating period piece classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about Hollywood studio executives receiving frightening death threats seeking success in a competitive industry that’s pressurizing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built an enduring legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies which are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 