where the woman gets suckerpunched - why does this stand out for me, above all the other frightening memories, as so atrocious and unforgettable? its out of nowhere quality....and you don't expect it from Altman somehow.
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Great scene, I think it works as a result of the laid back narrative at that point, its a very extreme moment because there are no antecedents to that kind of nature in the film
That's why I like Altman after all, he just doesn't give a *beep* about formal expectations
Agree with OP. Horrifying! When I started watching The Long Goodbye this week, I suddenly remembered this scene and a sense of dread came over me as it was nearing. Had to turn away from the TV.
Other posters have mentioned it and I agree with them as well, shades of The Big Heat. Love both of these films...so well made.
Martha Clark
Austin, Texas
I thought he was going to do the same thing (only this time she wasn't going to be so lucky) near the end. Good thing it didn't happen, but that poor dumb broad...
Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!
The scene is so absolutely shocking because it goes against the grain, the tone of the film, which is otherwise cool and laid back, even more than the ending. From what I understand, Altman added that scene by himself, it wasn't either in the script or the book.
shareA woman getting sucker punched used to be shocking. Now, it is an almost daily occurence on the news. Sad days we live in.
shareDefinitely not in the book; i've read it.
shareThe unexpected coke bottle to face scene was listed somewhere as one of the top ten most shocking scenes in movie history
sharefor some reason, i saw it coming from a mile away as soon as he called her over, so it wasn't really a shock for me
so many movies, so little time
As far as Coca Cola goes I do NOT believe that this was what you call 'product placement'.
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