REMARKABLE performance

Robert Altman is arguably the greatest American film director, and i remember an interview where he said he didn't direct at all but simply cast the best possible actors, which is exactly what he did here. As great as Altman was, he owes this film to Sandy Dennis. She is absolutely remarkable in the film. I was just was waiting for her to make some sort of comment on the character, or go overboard and chew up the 'crazy' scenes, but she does none of that. Everything is all under the surface - you just know that beneath the bourgeois, quiet exterior of this woman, she is going mad with the boredom and loneliness of her life. She just manages to grip you and keep you on edge. Without raising her voice or doing much, shes unnerving and yet deeply sympathetic at the same time. I could not take my eyes of this astonishing actress. Quite why she wasn't nominated for every award going that year, I know not. Probably the size/promotion of the film. But Sandy Dennis delivers a MASTERCLASS in acting. Wow.