It's okay with me.
After seeing this movie for the first time a couple years ago, I can't help but be amazed by it. I remember reading Chandler's novel "The Long Goodybe," and I never actually thought it could be put to film. The story was so convoluted ... philosophical, even. Also I couldn't fathom gangly actor Elliott Gould playing Phillip Marlowe, a character whom I've always associated with the late-great Humphrey Bogart.
In my mind, "The Long Goodbye" is the best film adaptation of any Raymond Chandler novel. The essence of Marlowe's character has been preserved in Gould's performance. I read that Robert Altman's intention was that Marlowe had been comatose for many, many years. I think that shows very clearly in the movie. Marlowe sort of stumbles around, mumbling to himself all throughout. Beyond what I'm sure is the popular consensus, Gould's Marlowe isn't stupid, and the end very clearly illustrates this.
Sterling Hayden's performance as Roger Wade is possibly brilliant. I couldn't imagine anyone else in that role. It's obvious that much of this movie was improvised, and Hayden adds so much depth to his character through impromptu, incomprehensible speeches. When we see him marching into the ocean, there's an almost harrowing quality to it.
Last but certainly not least, Leigh Brackett's script was absolutely flawless. This lady has given us so much, and I'd hate to see her forgotten in the annals of filmmaking and crime/sci-fi fiction history. In my mind, her next best work was on the script from "Rio Bravo" ... another perfect work from a master storyteller. Lest we forget that she also wrote a draft of "The Big Sleep," the film that everyone remembers as one of Bogart's finest moments.
I loved the soundtrack, too. Pity it can't be found anywhere. Johnny Mercer's vocals to the theme song could never be replicated.
But I believe it's Elliott Gould that's the brightest star in this movie. He's everything that I used to believe Phillip Marlowe was not. But it works in a way that I really don't know how to explain. His recurring line "It's okay with me" typifies Marlowe's personality to the letter. Perhaps the reason this film never reached the critical and box-office acclaim that it deserved is because of ... well, people like me. Gould isn't Bogart, so why bother? And you know what? The entire movie is predicated on Gould being the anti-Bogart, if you will. If James Garner or Steve McQueen were cast, no one would remember this movie. I've found a respect for Gould that I never had before. After this, I wanted to see more of his earlier work. While everyone remembers "M*A*S*H," what about "Little Murders?" It comes on the Fox Movie Channel every once in a while, and it's certainly worthy of note.
I wasn't alive when "Long Goodbye" was made, and it makes me nostalgic for the better, more creative days of Hollywood. Few really memoriable movies are made today. Many of them are good, but ultimately forgettable. I wish I could have had that feeling of watching "The Long Goodbye" on the big screen. Doubtless I'd have been even more smitten than I am now.
I suggest that you watch this movie along side "Five Easy Pieces" with Jack Nicholson and Karen Black. "Five Easy Pieces" is another film that sort of lingers in the shadows. Not forgotten, but not really appreciated either.