The Long Goodbye

Set in the crime-infested streets of 1950s Los Angeles, Robert Altman's adaptation of Raymond Chandler's 1953 novel, The Long Goodbye, is a complex and nuanced film that reimagines the classic gumshoe detective trope for the 1970s. Released in 1973, the movie stars Elliott Gould as the perpetually bemused and world-weary private investigator, Philip Marlowe. The film gets underway with Marlowe's (Gould) friend, Terry Lennox (Jim Bouton), who's recently divorced from his wife, Betty (Nina van Pallandt). As Marlowe is aware that Lennox has been having trouble with his wife, Marlowe agrees to help him out with some papers that would allow Lennox to emigrate to Mexico. However, things quickly take a dark turn when the local police discover that Betty has been brutally murdered in her mansion, and Lennox is accused of committing the crime. When Marlowe visits Lennox in prison, he discovers that he had indeed been the last one with Betty on the night of her murder, and that a witness reported having seen Lennox fleeing the mansion that night. Marlowe doesn't buy the story, and he becomes determined to help his friend prove his innocence. In doing so, he finds himself caught in a complex web of deceit and corruption, which seems to involve everyone from a wealthy socialite who was infatuated with Betty to the Los Angeles police force, who seem determined to see Lennox convicted. Along the way, Marlowe encounters the beguiling Eileen Wade (Nina van Pallandt), Betty's sister, who is both fascinated and terrified by her sister's killer. Marlowe also crosses paths with Roger Wade (Mark Rydell), Betty's brother and a struggling writer, who becomes increasingly unhinged as Marlowe digs deeper into the case. One of the most notable aspects of The Long Goodbye is its rejection of the classic film noir genre tropes, in favor of a more cynical and irreverent tone. Gone is the shadowy, hard-boiled detective that audiences are used to seeing – in his place is a more laid-back, bemused Marlowe, who smirks at the futility of it all. Elliott Gould's performance as Marlowe is a highlight of the film, bringing a sense of weary world-weariness to the character that's both captivating and humorous. Gould's comedic timing and mannerisms are perfectly suited to the role, and he brings a sense of modernity to the character that was sorely needed at the time. Robert Altman's direction is characteristically innovative and eclectic, with a fluid, improvisational style that allows the actors to shine. The film's use of non-professional actors and Altman's emphasis on creating a sense of realistic, everyday life adds to the film's sense of grit and authenticity. The movie has also been lauded for its feminist themes, with Eileen Wade being one of the most fascinating female characters in the film. Nina van Pallandt's performance is both captivating and unnerving, and her complexity is a highlight of the film. The Long Goodbye is a film that rewards multiple viewings, with its complex plot and characters offering up new layers of meaning and interpretation each time around. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other film noir classics, it is a film that's certainly worth discovering – and it's a testament to Altman's innovative direction and Gould's unforgettable performance that this underappreciated gem remains a standout of the 1970s cinema scene.