MASH follows the hijinks of the
staff of a Korean War field hospital (specifically by the surgeons). The use of
humor allows them to keep their sanity amidst the horrors they face daily.
The film was directed by Robert Altman. It was
one of his first features, and stands as one of his best. For fans of his work,
also check out: McCabe
& Mrs. Miller, The Long Goodbye,
Nashville, 3 Women, Short Cuts, The Player,
and Gosford
Park (MASH is my favorite of his work, followed by Gosford Park). Altman
worked with composer Johnny Mandel, cinematographer
Harold E. Stine,
and art directors Arthur
Lonergan and Jack
Martin Smith on the film.
Donald Sutherland
and Elliott Gould
star with Tom
Skerritt, Sally
Kellerman, Robert
Duvall, Roger
Bowen, Rene
Auberjonois, David
Arkin, Jo Ann
Pflug, Gary
Burghoff, and Fred
Williamson in support.
MASH is a great and very funny
comedy; but more so, it is a strong piece of antiwar cinema. Altman does not
mention that the film takes place during the Korean War at any point during the
film, actively wanting the audience to associate it with the Vietnam War which
was in full effect at the time of the film’s release. 20th Century
Fox ended up attaching a title at the beginning of the film announcing it as
taking place during the Korean War to somewhat mitigate the politics of the
film. It is a strange piece overall, one that many seem to take quite an issue
with – the idea of setting a goofball comedy (akin to something like Scrubs – you know,
because of the medical connection – or almost any summer camp movie, as it
feels a lot like one) in a situation of intense and dire consequences to human
lives is a bit too much for some. And yet, how else can one cope in such a
situation without losing themselves? The film spun-off a very successful TV
adaptation M*A*S*H,
which is probably better known today than the film. It is a must-see for fans
of goofball comedy (and summer camp movies) and war films, as it lends a
different perspective.
Trailer: Here
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