Movies

This film is so deceptively constructed that it took me a fewviewings to completely get it. Not the most inviting recommendation for a film, but even at first look, there is muchto enjoy. The music is superb, the performances outlandish andentertaining, and the take on politics and race relations trulyincisive. For example, kidnapping really was a political tool in1930's Kansas City; Blondie's (Jennifer Jason Leigh) real crimeis kidnapping a politician's wife for personal reasons. Thoughhis contempt for romanticism is truly bitter, this remains oneof Altman's best films.

Kansas City is absolutely stunning! Jazz is played practically throughout the entire movie, and one scene in particular could have gone on forever as far as I'm concerned. You'll know which scene I mean when you see it! A real get up and jump 10 minutes or so. Jennifer Jason Leigh was at her best. It was a complex role and her development of the character was incredible. Belefonte was chilling! Altman really picked up a sense of the time and place. This is a must see for jazz fans.

One night in 1934, in Kansas City, Blondie O'Hara (Jennifer Jason Lee) kidnaps Carolyn Stilton (Miranda Richardson), the wife of an eminent politician, trying to save her husband Johnny (Dermot Mulroney) from the claws of the gangster Seldon Seen (Harry Belafonte). Many events, as usual in a Robert Altman movie, happen along this night. This movie has a beautiful reconstitution of this period, some jazz songs, but the plot is too short for a running time of 116 minutes. Therefore, there are many parts very boring, or highlight in minor plots. My vote is six.