Product ReviewsMcCabe Mrs. Miller (DVD, 2002)

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (DVD)

McCabe & Mrs. Miller is an unusual movie that opened in 1971. It is dark in more ways than one. But it's also intriguing and absolutely beautiful. It bears watching more than once.
The movie tells the simple story of a gambler who builds a gambling and whore house in the northwest during the 1800's. Mrs. Miller is the smarter and more ambitious partner who runs the prostitutes. They run a very successful operation as Mrs. Miller prompts McCabe to continually improve their building.
A mining group wants to purchase the entire enterprise. McCabe, who overestimates his ability to negotiate and underestimates the danger involved in dealing with these men, tries to survive when they try to kill him.
Robert Altman directed the movie. It was filmed in British Columbia. The crew built the cabins and other buildings for the set as they needed them. Their construction mirrored the expansion of the town portrayed in the film. According to a documentary included on the DVD the construction crew made everything as authentic as possible. It worked beautifully. That's what I liked most about it--it feels real.
The movie is dark, physically and emotionally. Lamplight does not provide enough light to see everything clearly: it didn't then and it doesn't now. Although that adds to the authenticity, it is sometimes a little hard on the eyesight. Watching the film at a theater is best, but a dark room at home works, too.
The score includes a haunting melody that is repeated throughout the film, and I remembered it for over 30 years.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller is a keeper. I am looking forward to watching it again, this time with the audio commentary by Robert Altman and the producer.Read full review...

McCabe & Mrs Miller

I have been watching this movie, off and on, for years.
After reading a number of books and watching any number of films about the Old West, this movie stands out to me as the most authentic....with the possible exception of Broken Trail.
Prostitutes, mud, poor lighting, and outhouses are everywhere....just like in the Old West.
Note the chronic cough of one of the characters...a lot of people in those days died young.
Somewhere along the line, Hollywood created the myth of the old west as the epic battleground between good and evil.
The truth in this, was that most of the people drawn to the frontier were trying to escape the crushing poverty of the lower classes in the east. So here we have McCabe, a not so heroic hero, and Mrs. Miller our "Soiled Dove" heroine.
I have to love how Robert Altman has set believeable characters right out of the old west in this film.Read full review...

Classic adult western by brilliant director

One of the best of the late sixties/ early seventies alternative westerns. I have always loved this movie and now that it is getting harder to find on DVD I went ahead and bought it. I Had forgotten how wonderful this movie is on so many levels. The direction by Robert Altman (Fresh off of MASH, and Brewster McCloud) has a feeling of authenticity in both production and performance, that places this film among the best of his movies. The fact that the cast and crew went to Canada and hand built a late 19th century western town, then lived in it for three months is astounding. This movie was made before computer graphics were available and the cinematography is Oscar worthy. The use of flashing ( exposing the film to miniscule amounts of light during developing) to give the film negatives and movie the look of a deurogatype. The casting in the movie is also excellent.

Warren Beatty and Julie Christie are complete equals in this movie. Two performers at the top of their game. They are aided by some of the best character actors of the period such as Bert Remson, and Altmans regular cast of featured players. Warren Beatty and Julie Christie were dating during the making of this movie and their characterizations demonstrate how comfortable they were with each other. If you are looking for an adult themed western that stands the test of time , pop this one into the player. LEMIIIRead full review...

Classic discription of that time period. Everything about this movie stands out.

Finally bought the DVD of this movie. Have seen the movie several times over the years and decided it was time to have my own copy. One of the best movies in this genre. So authentic that you can imagine being there. Read full review...

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American history in full color

McCabe and Mrs. Miller is the best of Robert Altman's many wonderful films. This story of a small-time entrepreneur (McCabe played by Warren Beatty) whose initiative is consumed by a rapacious capitalist appropriately named Sears is the tale of America ever since the Europeans made thair first visit. The miners in the town are exploited by the eastern banks and spend what they have left on women and drink. Julie Christie, who plays Mrs. Miller, is a madam who no longer believes in romance of any kind until NcCabe slowly steals her heart. Whne McCabe refuses to sell out to the corporation, he is hunted down and killed. The final scen of his blood staining the virgin white snow says it all--a country whose only belief is in profit has stained the land's innocence with blood. Blood drawn in the name of profit. On top of all this, the soundtrack by Leonard Cohen haunts the soul.Read full review...

I Wish I Woulda Booked This into The Theater in 1993

Altman's masterpiece in my opinion, greatly helped by Leonard Cohen's great soundtrack which acts as more of a soundscape than anything. They do not make films in America or Canada like this anymore so we must appreciate what we have from the past. Warren Beatty & Julie Christie. -SamuraitimRead full review...

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McCabe & Mrs. Miller

A classic. This film is truly a piece of fine art. Julie Christie at her finest. Leonard Cohen's music (more fine art) is the perfect backdrop for this sepia-toned glimpse into a startlingly realistic yet surreal world of old west life in a bitterly cold winter.

This is my third copy. The first was a VHS tape, the second a DVD that finally wore out. I'm thrilled to be able to find another new one.

Get a copy, make sure you won't be disturbed for the duration, turn down the lights and go on an awesome journey!Read full review...

A western that defies all other typical western films.

Robert Altman created a classic. Beatty and Christie did justice to the characters and their relationship, but the setting/music/camera work turned this into a memorable film to see more than once.

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Great Movie!

A wonderful--& often overlooked--Robert Altman flick. I agree with those who characterize it as "American Noir". Plus it's dark, rainy & snowy. Well written & acted. Recommend it highly.

Enjoyable

Good service, good acting and great music in relations to the story line

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