Robert Altman, a name of profound significance in American film history, an indisputable master of cinema. Contemporary film directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson and Alejandro González Iñárritu have been greatly influenced by Altman in terms of style and techniques. Robert Altman achieved astonishing accomplishments in the art of filmmaking, a legacy few have ever matched. Throughout his career, he garnered countless prestigious honors, including the Golden Palm, the Golden Bear, the Golden Lion, and the Academy Honorary Award.

Robert Altman served in the military in his early years before spending decades honing his craft in television. It wasn't until the age of 45 that he achieved his first major success in film. Over the course of his decades-long career, he steadfastly adhered to his artistic principles, delivering groundbreaking deconstructions and reinventions of war films, Westerns, musicals, and film noir, earning him the title of the “Lone Ranger” of American cinema.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Robert Altman's birth. The "Retrospective" section of the “Beijing Film Panorama” at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) will present the "Robert Altman Centennial Retrospective", featuring a selection of 10 films related to him, highlighting the most quintessential works of this unconventional American filmmaking master.

Highlights: Winner of the Golden Palm at Cannes, a dark comedy exposing the absurdity of war.

This film reveals the inherently absurd nature of war through dark humor, reflecting director Robert Altman's anti-war stance toward the ongoing Vietnam War at the time. With bold experimentation in mise-en-scène and sound design, the film earned the prestigious Golden Palm at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival.

Highlights: A genre-defying Western featuring Leonard Cohen's iconic soundtrack.

Robert Altman himself described this film as an “anti-Western”, yet it has been ranked the 8th greatest Western of all time. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the story revolves around the establishment of a brothel and the ensuing conflicts, unraveling hidden emotional entanglements and violence in a frontier town. The film defies Western conventions in every aspect - setting, cinematography, sound design, and narrative structure. Altman's masterful use of three songs by the famous singer Leonard Cohen is another standout feature. This screening presents the brand-new 4K restoration, offering an exceptional viewing experience on the big screen.

Highlights: An adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel, a reconstruction of 1970s film noir.

The film is adapted from American writer Raymond Chandler's detective novel of the same name. Robert Altman's work signals a return of film noir in part, while also subverting its visual style and signature tropes. The story integrates 1970s zeitgeist into its narrative development and protagonist Philip Marlowe's characterization, employing extensive camera movement to achieve remarkable visual impact.

Highlights: An overlooked comedic gem in Robert Altman's filmography.

This film is an underrated comedic masterpiece in Robert Altman's body of work, chronicling the story of two gambling addicts—one a professional gambler, the other previously holding a steady job - who ultimately part ways by the film's conclusion. Rich in detail, it captures the atmosphere and environment inside American casinos, utilizing then-cutting-edge stereo sound technology while maintaining Altman's signature overlapping dialogue style.

Highlights: Robert Altman's crowning achievement, one of the finest American films of the 1970s.

This film stands as one of Robert Altman's most celebrated works and represents the pinnacle of his artistic career. Set in Nashville, Tennessee - the capital of American country music - the story unfolds over five days, weaving together the intersecting narratives of 24 characters. Despite the large ensemble cast, the film maintains remarkable clarity, showcasing Altman's masterful orchestration of multi-character storytelling. Widely regarded as one of the greatest American films of the 1970s, it serves as both a microcosm and reflection of American society. This screening presents the 4K restoration.

Highlights: The conflicts and friendships among three women, Robert Altman's most enigmatic film.

This stands as the most mysterious and surreal work in Robert Altman's filmography, with its storyline originating from Altman's own dream. The story mainly revolves around three women of different ages and one male character, with the mysterious painting in the swimming pool as the most impressive visual image of the film. Shelley Duvall, known for her role in The Shining, won Best Actress at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in this film. This screening presents the 4K restoration, which brilliantly restores the film's hazy and mysterious atmosphere.

Highlights: A dramatic saga of wealthy families - a satirical comedy with full dramatic effects.

This film stands as another overlooked comedic gem from Robert Altman's prolific 1970s output. Centered around a wedding between two wealthy families, the narrative unfolds through a series of unexpected events during this single fateful day. A quintessential Altman work, it features his signature large ensemble cast and heightened dramatic tension, all while concealing a sharply critical core. Notably, this film marked the 100th screen appearance of legendary American actress Lillian Gish. This screening presents the 4K restoration.

Highlights: A biographical film about painter Vincent van Gogh, portraying the legendary bond between brothers.

This Robert Altman-directed biopic focuses on the relationship between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo van Gogh. Rather than concentrating solely on Vincent's artistic achievements, the film equally highlights Theo's support for his brother and his personal character. The cinematography and production design are masterfully executed. Tim Roth portrays Vincent, and Paul Rhys portrays Theo. Their on-screen chemistry is particularly noteworthy.

Highlights: A prime example of mise-en-scène, a satire aimed squarely at Hollywood.

This film is one of Robert Altman's representative works in his later career, embodying the satirical black comedy he excelled at. A Hollywood studio producer accidentally kills a screenwriter during an argument and subsequently lives in constant fear. Robert Altman's command of mise-en-scène reaches new heights, with the film's opening shot leaving viewers in awe. Starring Tim Robbins, the movie also features cameos from numerous Hollywood celebrities. Altman and Robbins won Best Director and Best Actor, respectively, at the Cannes Film Festival for this film.

Highlights: A comprehensive chronicle of Robert Altman's creative journey, delving deep into the legendary director's life.

This film is a biographical documentary about Robert Altman. It explores how Robert Altman transitioned from making industrial films after military service to becoming a globally acclaimed filmmaker. Featuring big names like Paul Thomas Anderson, Julianne Moore, and Bruce Willis, the film reveals untold stories behind Altman's career, offering the best insight into his creative process and artistic vision.