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The Player
1992
Comedy, Drama
2h 4m
A studio script screener gets on the bad side of a writer by not accepting his script. The writer is sending him threatening postcards. The screener tries to identify the writer in order to pay him off so he'll be left alone, and then in a case of mistaken identity gone awry, he accidentally gives the writer solid ammunition for blackmail. This plot is written on a backdrop of sleazy Hollywood deals and several subplots involving the politics of the industry. (imdb)
Directed by:
Robert AltmanScreenwriter:
Michael TolkinThe Player
1992
Comedy, Drama
2h 4m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 66.64% from 2376 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(2392)
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Rated 02 Feb 2020
84
80th
I once interned in a major studio development office and it's pretty much this film: celebrity cameos and rampant blackmail and execs asking me to check their suits for bloodstains. Don't ask questions you may get answers. This made me remember that time I got out of a parking ticket by claiming to be a Scientologist. You may think I'm making that up but it's Hollywood, baby. All the world's a stage and we're... not making another Shakespeare - costume pictures aren't in right now.
Rated 02 Feb 2020
Rated 31 Jul 2017
80
77th
The last act is so deliciously evil and I've never typed that before.
Rated 31 Jul 2017
Rated 02 Mar 2010
9
93rd
Fast paced, funny, good story, very Altman. So many cameos that I lost track of everyone, but Bruce Willis had to have the best one: "Traffic was a bitch.." The opening tracking shot was great and all the long takes are refreshing to watch. It also seems that Hollywood hasn't changed much since 1992.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
Rated 12 Dec 2009
85
79th
Fantastic satire from Altman and an extensive cast of characters all indicted by the film. The film manages to be both funny and soulless, lampooning its black-hearted characters with razor sharp wit. Robbins is fine in the lead, but it's the supporting players and side stories that portray a rich pastiche of oddball Hollywood life. The numerous references to classic Hollywood tie the satire to all of movie history--it's always been this way, and it seems it always will.
Rated 12 Dec 2009
Rated 11 Dec 2016
43
10th
Widely touted as Altman's big comeback on release, The Player is ultimately too straight forward and visually unambitious to be regarded as one of his all time great works. Aesthetically it almost resembles TV; the long tracking shots aren't a patch on the complex chereography of films like Nashville. Like most industry satires, The Player is slight, smug, toothless, self satisfied, too sure of its own cleverness, and ultimately rather boring and safe. No wonder Hollywood embraced it.
Rated 11 Dec 2016
Rated 23 Jan 2016
80
90th
the opening shot is sick staging- and acting-wise, altman's "peeping-tom"-visual style furthers the agenda to distance the viewer from the atrocities of the business, yet get a pretty good look at what's what. robbins was a well chosen protagonist, likeable (to some extent), but off and weird somehow, just like what he represents. i got a bit drowsy towards the middle, but the ending, especially the screening of the hilarious "habeas corpus" made my day.
Rated 23 Jan 2016
Rated 29 Jan 2015
65
42nd
This is a well-liked Altman film, and I will admit, I may have missed something (or two things or three or, well, you get the point). The film is unmistakably Altman, but couched in an early 90s thriller. While I found the film funny, I also found it smug, which is one of those subjective experiences that allows to experience a work of art in its own way and which some may not view as valid criticism but those people are wrong, I tell you.
Rated 29 Jan 2015
Rated 26 Mar 2012
80
86th
A good thriller with the most insane number of Hollywood celebrity cameos you're likely to ever see in one and the same film.
Rated 26 Mar 2012
Rated 12 Aug 2011
83
92nd
Thoroughly satirizes Hollywood without getting too sanctimonious & forgetting that it is itself a Hollywood movie. Some parts remind me of French New Wave run through a Hollywood filter, and the little allusions & movie poster shots are great. The opening scene is of course brilliant but the scene in the police station always cracks me up. The ending turns the battle between "reality... because that happens!" and "pat happy Hollywood ending" in on itself.
Rated 12 Aug 2011
Rated 31 Aug 2022
65
20th
This movie is just too cold, slow, and dated for my tastes. Yeah the long uninterrupted opening shot is great, and the Hollywood meta commentary with all the various cameos had potential to be interesting. The problem is just that Altman is too focused on showing off his technical skills, and forgets to actually make an enjoyable movie.
Rated 31 Aug 2022
Rated 25 Mar 2020
84
92nd
Saw this when I was a lot younger; like it, but really didn't engage with it. Enjoyed it much more this time - perhaps I just needed a bit more patience. I can't comment on how accurate the Hollywood biz setting is, but it makes for compelling and entertaining viewing. There are many, many cameos in here - I lap that nonsense up. STEVE JAMES!
Rated 25 Mar 2020
Rated 22 Feb 2016
50
37th
This movie starts with a really well-crafted scene and is very impressive, but then it just goes into scenes with uneven pace, some of them have great chemistry and are interestingly done, but in others you ask yourself why. Maybe I don't get Altman's style, but I think this is an overrated flick and Tim's acting is annoying.
Rated 22 Feb 2016
Rated 03 Oct 2013
50
49th
Packed with 60 to 70 cameo appearances from a famous personalities, this movie is made for movie insiders. Tim Robbins is an insecure script reviewer about to lose his job. He begins getting threatening post cards. Fearing for his life he tries to track down the offender, but in doing so accidentally kills the wrong guy. The ending is a bit rushed and ironic as he gets away with his crime and prospers even more than ever. Sometimes cheesy and unconvincing.
Rated 03 Oct 2013
Rated 02 Apr 2013
43
30th
doesn't have enough ideas to fill the two hours. didn't age well.
Rated 02 Apr 2013
Rated 30 Apr 2012
80
77th
A terrific Altman film, which is saying a lot given the Master's high standards. The script highly enjoyable in its delicate details and the story flows seamlessly from the first amazing tracking shot in the beginning. Delightful.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
Rated 23 Oct 2011
97
97th
''that's reality''
Rated 23 Oct 2011
Rated 10 Jun 2010
84
65th
A fun Hollywood satire dripping with all the right kinds of irony, especially the ending. Gotta love Tim Robbins + Thomas Newman scores.
Rated 10 Jun 2010
Rated 12 Apr 2010
94
93rd
One of Altman's best. A first-rate thriller which is also a pointed satire of the movie business.
Rated 12 Apr 2010
Rated 10 Dec 2009
100
91st
If _Sunset Boulevard_ is THE Hollywood movie of the Golden Age, then this is the ultimate movie about movies of the modern era. Wickedly funny, with a rousing cast including 65 film luminaries playing themselves (see if you can find them all). The good news is that the film is not so inside that it can't be enjoyed by everyone. It is a mystery with a twist that looks terrific, is wonderfully acted, and is brilliantly directed by a man who skewers the Hollywood that has often done him wrong.
Rated 10 Dec 2009
Rated 19 Oct 2009
45
85th
I've seen two Robert Altman films with a few more waiting in the wings. His style is quite unique while not being overly bizarre. It's layered but each layer is satisfying by itself. It's funny but only in a sort of blackly comic "should I laugh? Was that a joke?" kind of way. I can't really think of anything to say about The Player except that it's simply a very good movie. Excellent acting, fantastic script, great story. Just watch it.
Rated 19 Oct 2009
Rated 11 Sep 2009
71
55th
Maybe I'm a philistine, but I didn't think it was all that - I'm willing to try again though
Rated 11 Sep 2009
Rated 28 Jul 2009
85
88th
Audacious and perversely enjoyable. The film pokes fun at Hollywood conventions while conforming to them itself, often at the expense of what might traditionally be considered good writing; this leads to what is simultaneously one of the worst and the best endings in cinema history. Also notable are the eight-minute opening tracking shot and an exciting, eclectic score courtesy of Thomas Newman.
Rated 28 Jul 2009
Rated 21 May 2009
40
71st
Comparable to Fellini's _8-1/2_, though in a different degree and a different direction, this goes a long way towards explaining why it is so difficult to get a decent movie made. Over and above a couple of allusions to the phenomenon of the "test screening" (i.e., veto power of the average viewer, artistic decision-making by popular referendum), the main obstacle, actually illustrated instead of just alluded to, is seen to be "the pitch"
Rated 21 May 2009
Rated 18 Aug 2008
10
97th
Much like Barton Fink, this film takes aim at Hollywood, and some people might find it unsettling. I for one adored the film from the very first scene (which featured one of the best tracking shots ever). This is a great addition to the 'film about films" list: "a psychic thriller comedy with a heart" as the film says; It's charismatic, daring and endlessly entertaining. Don't forget to watch "The Bicycle Thief" beforehand, otherwise this film will ruin its ending. Both recommended!
Rated 18 Aug 2008
Rated 31 May 2008
81
88th
Insider jokes abound, in this very incisive satirical thriller that represents one of director Robert Altman's finest films in his career
Rated 31 May 2008
Rated 02 Mar 2007
60
62nd
Great film.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
Rated 18 Apr 2024
90
90th
It has some great cinematography and a huge number fun cameos. The satire is fantastic and applies even more today than it did 30 years ago. One of my favorite bits was when the auteur writer, despite being adamant for no happy ending and no famous actors, sells out anyway.
Rated 18 Apr 2024
Rated 22 Jan 2024
58
73rd
I liked the meta of it all. It's not necessarily great, but I enjoyed it for what it is.
Rated 22 Jan 2024
Rated 18 Jan 2024
40
13th
Tries to be so meta, satirical, and too-obviously clever it comes across as pretentious or smug.
Rated 18 Jan 2024
Rated 14 Jul 2023
93
89th
Scathing satire of Hollywood, a meta aurobourous reflection of itself that does not try to withdraw from its own critiques. In its own logic, a movie that is a movie which is why it works so well. The continuous opening shot is among the best I've seen in recent memory as it sets the tone of the panoramic skewering about to take place. Favorite Altman I have seen to date.
Rated 14 Jul 2023
Rated 10 May 2023
65
25th
a cake with too much frosting
Rated 10 May 2023
Rated 14 Nov 2021
48
38th
Watched it a long time ago, remember it as interesting but potentially slow?
Rated 14 Nov 2021
Rated 09 Jul 2021
20
51st
Rated 09 May 2021
40
8th
This is a movie by Hollywood for Hollywood. It starts off with like a 7 minute long-take, at the end a character makes a fourth-wall-breaking-circle-jerking-pat-on-the-back-taking-comment about long takes. That meta kinda sets the tone for the rest of the film. Oh, and all the cameos. It has some 'smart humour' and a generally decent plot, but this seems more like Tinsletown self-gratification than anything
Rated 09 May 2021
Rated 11 Nov 2020
44
26th
Seen: 2. I have never been an Altman fan, and this movie, not without merit, left me wanting as well. This setting with this cast and story should have been a grand slam, instead I was left bored through a good chunk of it. And the entire movie sure is full of itself, but I guess that is a central theme.
Rated 11 Nov 2020
Rated 20 May 2020
95
80th
Altman is magic.
Rated 20 May 2020
Rated 09 May 2020
75
59th
The function of the Hollywood machine. Cruel.
Rated 09 May 2020
Rated 01 Feb 2020
80
65th
First-time watch: 2020. That didn't age well. I mean they treat sequels like an outsider. But still fun.
Rated 01 Feb 2020
Rated 04 Dec 2019
90
94th
By watching this movie you don't want to skip a minute. The dialogues are very engaging, loose and natural throughout production. The story does not let you fall asleep and is not predictable. Great way to start Altman's month.
Rated 04 Dec 2019
Rated 25 Aug 2019
60
58th
ger; [the player]; ein hollywood agent der teuer filme absegnet, wird von einem mutmaßlichen drehbuchauthor bedroht und gerät in eine zwickmühle als er dem author versehentlich noch mehr munition liefert.;
Rated 25 Aug 2019
Rated 03 Aug 2019
80
87th
how i wish a movie would come out when i first start playing with telephoto zoom lenses
Rated 03 Aug 2019
Rated 21 May 2019
68
45th
I definitely would've liked this satirical smack down more in my youth. Now it's more eye roll especially the ending holy. Vincent D'onofrio destroyed in his couple scenes tho!
Rated 21 May 2019
Rated 14 Apr 2019
70
71st
The romance subplot was a waste of time for me. Everything else was pretty good though. The first act and the last 15 minutes are solid. The cast, satire and overall meta nature of the film are interesting. Again, I love films about movies/Hollywood, so it was easy for me to be invested.
Rated 14 Apr 2019
Rated 18 Nov 2018
60
35th
It's always difficult to tell if Altman's films are satire or documentaries, because they always seem so close to the topic at hand. This one is clearly "insider baseball" in the movie biz (with a lot of cameos by stars I can't even identify); there are also hundreds of references to other movies. While I thought this was a decent movie, I didn't particularly enjoy it, and I don't know if trying to identify even more references makes it worth a re-watch.
Rated 18 Nov 2018
Rated 15 Apr 2018
86
86th
This metacommentary on Hollywood lifestyles remains one of the most penetrating explorations of moviemaking-as-business in an industry usually only willing to worship itself and ignore its exploitative capitalist blemishes. With writing and direction that rivals the director's classics, it's a near perfect blend of Altman's ensemble juggling, cynical wit, and insight into American institutions with a more modern (and ahead of its time) metafictional approach.
Rated 15 Apr 2018
Rated 22 Oct 2017
85
80th
Making fun of Hollywood with all Hollywood cast.
Rated 22 Oct 2017
Rated 15 Sep 2016
68
62nd
I'm hesitant to say why I liked this movie because of a minor spoiler so be warned. The movie OK for the vast majority but I really liked the ending.
Rated 15 Sep 2016
Rated 09 Aug 2016
4
23rd
The setting was neat, but I was bored through a lot of the movie. Guess it's just not made for me. I would have rated lower if it wasn't for that very clever ending.
Rated 09 Aug 2016
Rated 31 Jul 2016
87
87th
A well crafted production that manages to deeply criticise Hollywood whilst also receiving a lot of support from them (notably the large array of cameos). There's a lot of indifference to the characters, making their interactions either meaningless or at least satirically cynical, and the murder sub-plot is well integrated into the movie-making plot, rather than seeming shoe-horned. Boosted by confident directing, fun and memorable performances/cameos, and an excellently written script.
Rated 31 Jul 2016
Rated 24 Sep 2015
80
85th
A movie about a movie about itself. #1001Movies
Rated 24 Sep 2015
Rated 19 Sep 2015
59
14th
Some good inside Hollywood criticism but it's just too boring
Rated 19 Sep 2015
Rated 31 Mar 2015
80
93rd
This movie surprised me a lot, I really disliked the beginning; almost to the point where I turned it off, but it really picked up. The acting worked out really great, there are a ton of cameos and it references itself often, the dialog is very smart and the story works out very well. My only gripe is the ending, which then again serves its own purpose. I highly recommend it.
Rated 31 Mar 2015
Rated 26 Mar 2015
85
77th
Blends the meandering stuff in well (that opening shot is probably the most efficient yet self-indulgent Altman thing) with a very well executed plot - the layers of self-referential stuff and the throwbacks to old noir stuff work well with the artificial, consistently sunny set design. The comedy is maybe a little too smug but shoutout to Richard E. Grant who plays the hell out of his role. He wrings every second of screentime being funny.
Rated 26 Mar 2015
Rated 11 Feb 2015
90
92nd
I watched this in a film as literature class in college when we were studying postmodernism, and I was one of the only people consistently laughing. There's just something about Whoopi Goldberg swinging a tampon around her finger, I guess. The cameos are also amazing - and DAT OPENING SHOT, man.
Rated 11 Feb 2015
Rated 10 Feb 2015
59
32nd
* Casting, Acting : 6
* Script : 6.5
* Directing, Aura : 7
* Ease of Viewing : 5
* Naked Eye : 5
Rated 10 Feb 2015
Rated 18 Jan 2015
95
93rd
The film that this is closest to is probably DePalma's Body Double, but The Player is a more nuanced version of that film, with better performances, cinematography. and a tighter script.
Rated 18 Jan 2015
Rated 21 May 2014
9
91st
One of the best takes on Hollywood I've seen. Cameo galore and Robbins was clearly in a rich vein of form in the early 90s.
Rated 21 May 2014
Rated 10 May 2014
85
93rd
By far my favorite Altman thus far. It seems like his driftless, constantly zooming camera is a much better fit for a tight narrative and Tolkin's script offers that -along with some savory snark, of course. Rich in details, cameos and hard, biting affection towards Hollywood pictures, "The Player" rides high on the satire and on the suspense.
Rated 10 May 2014
Rated 28 Jan 2014
70
73rd
The last ten minutes are amazing. Tim Robbins is incredibly tall but he has the face of a ten-year-old boy. I'll never recognize Vincent D'Onofrio in anything. Habeus Corpus looked even worse than The Thr3e from Adaptation. This movie spoils lots of other movies. Watch it anyway.
Rated 28 Jan 2014
Rated 23 Nov 2013
8
78th
I found myself engrossed in this meta comedy-thriller. Incredibly witty, with incredible direction and a typically great performance from Robbins in the lead role as a movie executive guilty of murder. It's fun spotting all of the cameos. The sellout ending to Richard E. Grant's script had me laughing out loud.
Rated 23 Nov 2013
Rated 21 Aug 2013
76
91st
There's something interesting and unexpected going on in this film - I loved it. My one gripe was with the ending. I think the heavy-handedness left the film on too simplistic a note for an otherwise nuanced piece. It was a let down but certainly no reason to discount it.
Rated 21 Aug 2013
Rated 17 Mar 2013
90
96th
What an opening sequence, what a script, WHAT A FILM!!! Altman proves once again, he's a masteclass director.
Rated 17 Mar 2013
Rated 26 Sep 2012
70
86th
It had a strange kind of feel, and whilst I did enjoy it, I don't think I was quite in the right mood for it. My viewing experience was helped immensely by Tim Robbin's being really damn hot.
Rated 26 Sep 2012
Rated 28 Aug 2012
5
93rd
Altman's reputation as a revisionist was well-earned, consistently subverting and redefining Hollywood vernacular, but not before The Player had he so literally mocked that establishment. It is meta-textual and self-referential, brutally cynical, and between the absurd sense of humor and palpable paranoia exudes a vibe which might be described as Lynchian.
Rated 28 Aug 2012
Rated 11 Mar 2012
85
96th
If I were better-versed in classic cinema I'd probably like it even more.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
Rated 10 Mar 2012
77
73rd
A nice insight into the ins and outs of Hollywood, but nothing that made me jump out of my seat. Robbins is good, and the huge amount of cameos are awesome, and Altman's "jokes" are pretty good. I didn't love it, but it was well worth the time.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
Rated 14 Dec 2011
100
99th
This film is a great satire on Hollywood. Tim Robbins is perfect in the lead role. There is also a great ending in this move. This film is loaded with so many star cameos. This is my favorite Robert Altman film.
Rated 14 Dec 2011
Rated 11 Dec 2011
87
91st
One of Altman's best. The script is absolutely brilliant in its wit and its jabs at Hollywood. From the tracking shot, to the cameos, to the satirical genius that is Altman; The Player has it all.
Rated 11 Dec 2011
Rated 01 Dec 2011
65
30th
#710
Rated 01 Dec 2011
Rated 10 Sep 2011
70
19th
After the stunning opening shot, my expectations for this film were high and honestly, they weren't met. Altman's direction is fantastic and the slew of cameos is fun, but I think the story kind of falls apart and ceases to be interesting. The ending redeems it a bit though.
Rated 10 Sep 2011
Rated 04 Aug 2011
82
88th
Works as both a thriller and a satire. Robbins is perfect as the soulless exec.
Rated 04 Aug 2011
Rated 09 Mar 2011
85
86th
Kind of a pre-Entourage/Get Shorty idea...in the 90s...pretty sure I saw Jeremy Piven twice as 2 different extras. Not joking.
Rated 09 Mar 2011
Rated 01 Jan 2011
100
89th
What "M.A.S.H." did to service comedies, what "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" did to westerns, what "The Long Goodbye" did to detective pictures, The Player does the to Hollywood success story.
Rated 01 Jan 2011
Rated 24 Sep 2010
79
94th
Standard Altman , people talking over one another etc. Some beautifully shot scenes, and more stars you can shake a stick at. The ending is hilarious.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
Rated 19 Sep 2010
96
93rd
Altman has a terrific time lampooning and paying homage to Hollywood at the same. The performances by the leads are wonderful. Also, great is the number of cameos by big Hollywood names at the time. This is certainly one of Altman's best films.
Rated 19 Sep 2010
Rated 15 Jan 2010
65
30th
703
Rated 15 Jan 2010
Rated 01 Aug 2009
2
40th
A light, fun Altman-movie. Worth watching if not only to enjoy all the references to other movies, both explicit and subtle.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
Rated 23 Jul 2009
75
79th
A maybe to honest look at the dealings by Hollywood hot shots.
Rated 23 Jul 2009
Rated 17 Jul 2009
75
58th
Two lovers: 9 // 10 // 9 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 7
Rated 17 Jul 2009
Rated 09 Apr 2009
100
93rd
A deft and dazzling satire on the film industry -- witty, surprising and intelligent.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
Rated 04 Mar 2009
7
79th
Funny, but not that funny. Tense, but not that tense. Well acted, well written... It really is all around a fine film but you can almost feel the potential that isn't reached.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
Rated 19 Dec 2008
66
32nd
679
Rated 19 Dec 2008
Rated 01 Aug 2008
69
46th
kumps
Rated 01 Aug 2008
Rated 30 Jul 2008
30
13th
Robert Altman films do not resonate with me. The concept of the film appealed to me, but I didn't care for the execution.
Rated 30 Jul 2008
Rated 18 May 2008
85
72nd
My favorite Altman flick -- pitch perfect. Loved the scene where they're pitching new movie ideas. It's like Ghost meets Manchurian Candidate!
Rated 18 May 2008
Rated 02 Mar 2008
63
40th
# 733
Rated 02 Mar 2008
Rated 30 Dec 2007
97
92nd
Robert Altman on Hollywood should be enough to get anyone exciting. Some dragging scenes but the ridiculous story and great characters more than make up for it.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
Rated 21 Aug 2007
75
75th
Tim Robbins shines in this media industry centric thriller.
Rated 21 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
50th
One of the better movies about Hollywood, but still not all that great.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
94th
A brilliant film through and through.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
38
23rd
This may have been the first Altman I ever watched. I may be misjudging, but I don't have fond memories of it and I somehow doubt that rewatching would change anything. I know this was an his attempt to put a mirror to Hollywood in the same way that he once did with Nashville's music industry, but it seemed even more bluntly mean-spirited and less engaging than the Nashville film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
85th
Entertaining critique of Hollywood. My recollection is that I found the Greta Scacchi character irritating, and, to be honest, I harbour some doubts about how I would feel if I decided to watch it again.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
42nd
Not as much fun as Get Shorty.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Robert AltmanScreenwriter:
Michael TolkinCollections
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