Brewster McCloud DVD Review

BREWSTER MCCLOUD

• DVD Release Date: July 13, 2010
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Format: Color, Digital Sound, Dolby, NTSC, Original recording remastered, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Warner Bros.
• ASIN: B003XTOBU0

Film giant, maverick Robert Altman of MASH fame, directed this irreverent, hedonistic, bizarre movie. His characters are detractors and deviants portrayed without sympathy. Made in 1970, this film is a satire and a commentary on life of the times with all its hypocrisy and conservatism. Its humor is black at best, probably offensive to many. I myself enjoyed the scenes with Detective Shaft (Michael Murphy) investigating the serial killings ala Steve McQueen and the automobile license plate sight gags (OWL 180, DOD 086, DUV 222, and BRD SHT) which are understandable only within the context of scripting.

Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) is a recluse who lives in a fallout shelter 25 feet underground the Houston Astrodome. Louise (Sally Kellerman) looks over and protects him with the proviso that he not indulge himself in sex. Because he wants to fly like Icarus and Daedalus, she helps him make human-size wings. Brewster is the insane oddball loner.

People who surround him are murdered. Daphne Heap (Margaret Hamilton), the witchy Astrodome Star Spangled Banner singer, dies as does Abraham Wright (Stacy Keach), his boss. More homicides occur–all strangely connected with bird droppings. Brewster experiences first love with Suzanne (Shelley Duvall), an usher who provides his undoing.

Take a look at a cast with so many actors and actresses who were or who became household names:

* Bud Cort as Brewster McCloud
* Sally Kellerman as Louise
* Michael Murphy as Detective Shaft
* William Windom as Weeks
* Shelley Duvall as Suzanne
* Rene Auberjonois as The Lecturer
* Margaret Hamilton as Daphne Heap
* Corey Fischer as Officer Hines
* Stacy Keach as Abraham Wright
* John Schuck as Officer Johnson
* Bert Remsen as Officer Breen
* Jennifer Salt as Hope

Brewster McCloud was released for the first time ever to DVD on July 13, 2010. It runs for 105 minutes and has no special features. It lists for $39.98. Call the curve ball ending of The Greatest Show on Earth droll, macabre. I like my movies simple, requiring little thought. They are meant to be enjoyable and a pleasant escape. Brewster McCloud did not fill my playbill. The audience will have to rate this one as taste and sensibilities will weigh in whether Brewster McCloud is playful or purposeless.

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.