There are so many classic lines in this script, they all quickly add up to a masterpiece. If you haven't seen this picture but want to know what it's like, check out an earlier post that has the text of the entire wedding scene, which is, I agree, one of Donald Sutherland's finest moments. Gloriously outrageous! And Lou Jacobi gets to let loose with his own crazed monologue. Everybody shines, from Vincent Gardenia to the smallest bit part, especially the actor, shockingly unlisted in IMDb's obviously incomplete cast list, as Arkin's 'normal' detective assistant. (Can anyone supply his name? He's great!) John Randolph and Doris Roberts, as Elliot Gould's intellectual but clueless parents, are priceless. EVERYBODY shines.
Alan Arkin's direction (as well as his manic cameo) is nothing short of inspired. He is in perfect harmony with the actors, translating the stage play into a brilliant cinematic 'alternative' classic. One of his most effective surprise touches comes just after Alfred (Gould) does his monologue into a tape recorder. His speech has been low key and sustained. He stops speaking, and there is a silent pause. Then Alfred gets up, causing a loud scrape sound when his chair is pushed back, thus shattering the whole effect of the monologue.
To me, every scene is a favorite. Just one example: Alfred and Patsy (the incredible Marcia Rodd) are having an argument. A heavy breather caller has been hassling Patsy regularly. He calls in the middle of their argument. Alfred answers. The caller breathes heavily. Alfred says: 'She can't talk now!' and hangs up.
The very welcome DVD transfer is quite good, especially after so many viewings of a Betamax-taped TV airing (censored) from the early 80s. Its letterbox presentation shows off the glories of Gordon Willis' camera-work. It's plain to see why Coppola and Woody Allen snagged him to lens their own masterpieces.
'Little Murders' holds up well because that's what classics are all about. Indeed, it is funnier, more sardonic, just as relevant, and better than ever.
Alan Arkin's direction (as well as his manic cameo) is nothing short of inspired. He is in perfect harmony with the actors, translating the stage play into a brilliant cinematic 'alternative' classic. One of his most effective surprise touches comes just after Alfred (Gould) does his monologue into a tape recorder. His speech has been low key and sustained. He stops speaking, and there is a silent pause. Then Alfred gets up, causing a loud scrape sound when his chair is pushed back, thus shattering the whole effect of the monologue.
To me, every scene is a favorite. Just one example: Alfred and Patsy (the incredible Marcia Rodd) are having an argument. A heavy breather caller has been hassling Patsy regularly. He calls in the middle of their argument. Alfred answers. The caller breathes heavily. Alfred says: 'She can't talk now!' and hangs up.
The very welcome DVD transfer is quite good, especially after so many viewings of a Betamax-taped TV airing (censored) from the early 80s. Its letterbox presentation shows off the glories of Gordon Willis' camera-work. It's plain to see why Coppola and Woody Allen snagged him to lens their own masterpieces.
'Little Murders' holds up well because that's what classics are all about. Indeed, it is funnier, more sardonic, just as relevant, and better than ever.