POPEYE
by Robert Altman. 1980.114 min.
Robert Altman directs this wonderfully haphazard interpretation of the story that originally appeared in the Thimble Theater comic strip. Robin Williams (in his first starring role) brings a shy sweetness to his version of Popeye as a son in search of his long-lost father. Shelley Duvall, who was fresh from wrapping The Shining, seems born to play the role of Olive Oyl. Altman shot the film on the island of Malta where he constructed the village of Sweethaven, far from the prying eyes of producers and studio bigwigs. The plot is familiar and yet almost nonexistent, the soundtrack is by Harry Nilsson and there’s a climatic wrestling match with an octopus. What more could you ask for?
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RFF is proud to be sponsored by Blundstone®, Istic Illic Pictures, and NYC Ferry. Rockaway Film Festival made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Rockaway Film Festival is funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Art, and by the Howard Gilman Foundation administered by Flushing Town Hall. RFF receives additional support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.