A true American artist

Film director Robert Altman dead at 81

The American film world just got a little less interesting. Robert Altman, one of the most prolific and groundbreaking filmmakers of his generation, died today. He was like the BB King of movies - he didn't need the money or notoriety, but he still went out year after year and worked, inevitably churning out a movie that, bad or good, was bound to be fascinating.

His body of work includes M*A*S*H, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, The Long Goodbye, Nashville, 3 Women, Popeye, The Player, Short Cuts, Gosford Park, and A Prarie Home Companion. He defined independent filmmaking, never giving an inch in terms of full artistic creativity. He was also a rebel, an outspoken activist, and a hard-ass. Rest in peace, Robert Altman.