Question 1

How did Robert Altman achieve the film's distinctive visual look?

Accepted Answer

Altman and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond 'flashed' the film negative before exposure and used camera filters rather than post-production manipulation, ensuring the studio couldn't alter the look. This technique wasn't used for the final 20 minutes to heighten realism.

Question 2

What unexpected source provided the musical score for the film?

Accepted Answer

Robert Altman discovered the score at a party playing Leonard Cohen's album 'Songs of Leonard Cohen.' He used three songs from it: 'The Stranger Song,' 'Sisters of Mercy,' and 'Winter Lady.'

Question 3

Which famous director praised a specific shot in the film?

Accepted Answer

Stanley Kubrick called Robert Altman to ask how he knew he had captured the perfect shot of McCabe lighting a cigar before crossing the bridge at the beginning of the film.

Question 4

What was the conflict between Warren Beatty and Robert Altman during filming?

Accepted Answer

Warren Beatty insisted on multiple takes, once doing over 30 after Altman left. Altman retaliated by making Beatty do 25 takes of a scene in the snow.

Question 5

What practical purpose did the steam engine serve beyond filming?

Accepted Answer

The genuine, functioning steam engine used for Mrs. Miller's arrival was also employed by the crew to power the lumbermill after it arrived on set.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

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