A Conversation with Robert Altman (Pt. 1)

The great director discusses the production of his 1975 masterpiece 'Nashville'.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Nashville
• film
• Ronee_Blakley
• Robert_Altman
• interview

[HS22181]

I cant believe Robert Altman used the phrase deaf and dumb to describe Louise Fletchers parents. Too bad Ms. Fletcher wasnt able to enlighten Mr. Altman to drop the word dumb to describe deaf people. The movie Nashville remains one of my all time favorite films and Lilly Tomlins performance is outstanding in it.

[M0m3nt0M0r1]

Yeah, he was a bit callous to use that old phrase, but I suspect it was a generational thing. Totally agree that Lily was fantastic in Nashville.

[hunkallgood73]

I like 'Nashville' but I LOVE 'McCabe & Mrs. Miller'!!!!! I've seen it at least 200x's & it never gets old to me

[Nirvanabeatles]

@HS22181 Your internet threats are uncalled for and more banal than my reviews will ever be. Shame on you.

[Nirvanabeatles]

@HS22181 So here we are. You've brought us from a harmless discussion about a wonderful artist, to a silly "Youtube Bloodsport" where you call me condescending, spit on my attempt to join the conversation, and then try to drag my identity to the guillotine, and mock my reviews, which I work hard on. You said that it is not a threat, but if you have a penny in your hand, and say "Youtube, this is not a penny," it's still a penny.

[HS22181]

@Nirvanabeatles Jordan Wilson, I have only been matter-of-fact with you to this point. If you want aggressive I can accommodate you. You want it brought on? Okay, give me an appointment. If not I can find you. I know your name, your location (VCU in Richmond, VA) and what you look like from you stupid, trite and sophomoric YouTube review of “Precious.” I want to be clear to YouTube authorities, I am not threatening you, and I am merely meeting your challenge. Your move, punk.

[HS22181]

@Nirvanabeatles (Part 1) Your condescending attempt at being didactic fails. I know what Robert Altman meant. I am surprised that he didn’t know better not to use the phrase at the time of that interview. The use of the term “dumb” in the context we are considering here was common until the mid 20th century and was very much out of favor at the time of this interview with Robert Altman which was obviously done after 1975, the year the movie Nashville was released.

[HS22181]

@Nirvanabeatles (Part 2) I also have some direct experience with the issue. In 1980 my wife at the time entered graduate school at Gallaudet in Washington, DC. I recall the issue of the history of the usage discussed fairly often at social gatherings with her classmates. Coincidentally, the commencement speaker for her graduation in the spring of 1982 was Louise Fletcher. NRN

[Nirvanabeatles]

@HS22181 I sympathize with you, my fellow earthling, but I'm just informing you of what Mr. Altman meant when he said it, no more no less.

[HS22181]

@Nirvanabeatles "Dumb" is an archaic term that is considered offensive. The archaic meaning of the word "dumb" does mean "mute." The more common meaning of the word today implies stupidity, which is not applicable to most people who are deaf. The latter and more commonly understood meaning of the homonym makes use of the word "dumb" not popular usage to most deaf people. It is why most deaf people do not appreciate being called "deaf and dumb."

[Nirvanabeatles]

@HS22181 I believe dumb refers to an inability to speak... It is more common now to say mute.