It's a funny/scary vision, with a manic edge -- which is why, when you come down from the high of the filmmaking, you may be left with the taste of ashes in your mouth. Altman's artistry can make you happy even when his art offers cold comfort.

Cool, clever and complex, Altman succeeds in bringing out the best from a highly talented cast.

As the grand ringmaster, it's here that Altman passes the baton to his actors , whose behavioral insights are critical to the film's success.

Rarely has a slice-of-life film been so delicious to consume.