January 6, 2015, 4:00 p.m. — Short Cuts (1993)

Short Cuts

1993. USA. Directed by Robert Altman. Screenplay by Frank Barhydt, Altman. With Julianne Moore, Matthew Modine, Fred Ward, Lily Tomlin, Tim Robbins, Tom Waits, Jack Lemmon, Robert Downey, Jr., Anne Archer. This ambitious Raymond Carver adaptation weaves together nine of the author’s stories, and with 22 principal characters, it features Altman’s most impressive ensemble cast. Set against the unstable landscape of Los Angeles, the messy personal lives of ordinary residents intersect and collide. Jazz vocals by singer Annie Ross provide unifying commentary. 187 min.