The broken American dream

"Flower Village" can be regarded as a work of Robert Altman's style. It tells the story of a bragging gambler (McCabe) and a smoking prostitute (Mrs. Miller) who jointly "started a business". Altman overlooked the entire town from the perspective of God, calmly depicting the sorrow of the little people under the background of the big era (economic monopoly, immigration wave, feminism, etc.) at the end of the gold rush in the early 20th century. This is a typical author's film, and the audience with the desire to watch Western films may be disappointed-Altman concealed a number of intriguing questions in the narrative process but did not give answers, and these extremes The details that may be skipped by the audience are probably what the director really wants to say.
One is Constance (Mrs. Miller). Constance is a prostitute, she is honored as Mrs. Miller by everyone. Where did she come from? Why are you here? How do I know McCabe? How do I get addicted to cigarettes? Nothing is involved in the film. But one thing should be certain-the existence or the existence of a Mr. Miller had a huge impact on Constance's life. So who is this Mr. Miller? Throughout the film, Constance reminded McCabe three times not to refuse or to provoke the "big fish" who came to buy the brothel. So, is it possible that the former Mr. Miller was also buried by the same group of people? McCabe certainly wouldn't listen to Constance. From the beginning of the film, he made it clear that he would not negotiate business with women. Constance could only watch McCabe repeat the same mistakes, and opium became the only way for her to liberate herself. Has Mrs. Miller ever loved McCabe? The answer is in the singing of Leonard Cohen in the background music: "I'm just a station on your way. I know I'm not your lover."
Second, who killed McCabe? Butler and his two guns were not deadly enough. McCabe was shot in the body and lay dying in the snow. At the same moment, the church at the other end of the city was bubbling with ashes and people laughed and ran to put out the fire. No one could think of it. McCabe once brought prosperity to this city. The lonely hero was drowned in the snow, and it was McCabe himself who set the fire.
Third, multiple dialogues at the same time are another iconic feature of Robert Altman's film, which is also reflected in this film. The most obvious scene happened at the beginning of the film. McCabe walked into the bar. The bar was full of people, all talking about their subjects vaguely. The most direct impression caused by this technique is tired. After continuously and passively receiving countless fragments of illogical dialogue, the audience will naturally ask: Where is the point? Who is the protagonist in the end? ——Is it McCabe? Is it Mrs. Miller? Or the people chatting around?
There are many angles that can be interpreted in Hanamura. Every scene (suspension bridge, church, Chinatown...) and props (pistol, pipe, music box...) chosen by Robert Altman has "ulterior motives". The final interpretation right of an excellent movie is always in the hands of the audience.

View more about McCabe & Mrs. Miller reviews