Robert Altman remembered

Nov 22, 2006, 12:10 GMT

Director Robert Altman has died.

The acclaimed director of 'Nashville', 'Gosford Park' and 'M*A*S*H' passed away in a Los Angeles hospital on Monday (20.11.06), aged 81. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Altman, a five-time Best Director Oscar nominee, was given a lifetime achievement prize at Academy Awards this year for "a career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form".

Upon accepting the award, Altman said: "No other filmmaker has gotten a better shake than I have. I'm very fortunate in my career. I've never had to direct a film I didn't choose or develop.

"My love for filmmaking has given me an entree to the world and to the human condition."

One of Altman's final projects was a stage production of Arthur Miller's play 'Resurrection Blues' at London's Old Vic theatre.

Kevin Spacey, who is artistic director of the theatre, said: "I am privileged to have worked with him. Robert Altman was a truly unique director and an extraordinary man. We are all saddened by this news and send our condolences to his family."

Altman was born in 1925 in Kansas City and served as a bomber pilot in World War II.

He achieved his first big success with the 70s anti-war black comedy film 'M*A*S*H.

The unconventional director had a distinctive style. He often employed large ensemble casts, encouraged improvisation and filmed scenes that darted from character to character.

Actors were desperate to work with him, even though he often operated on a tiny budget.

'Gosford Park' was his biggest box-office success.

The 1930s drama set on an English estate earned six Oscar nominations in 2002 - including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for both Helen Mirren and Dame Maggie Smith.

Altman won Best Director at the 2002 Golden Globes for the film.

His final film, 'A Prairie Home Companion', starring Meryl Streep and Woody Harrelson, was released earlier this year.

Altman and his wife Kathryn had two sons, Robert and Matthew.

He also had a daughter, Christine, and two other sons, Michael and Stephen, from two previous marriages.

(C) BANG Media International