I was also lucky enough to see this one on the big screen a couple weeks ago. When I first saw Elliot Gould in The Long Goodbye I thought "This guy can't seriously be considered a great actor." However, after seeing him in M*A*SH, California Split, and again in The Long Goodbye, I realized that the lazy, slob-like attitude is what makes him such a great actor...he is a reflection of US. We are not watching some typical Hollywood actor pretending to be something he is not. Gould's acting is as real and pure as acting can be. We are watching ourselves on screen when we watch Gould.
That being said, Gould is magnificent in California Split as a sleazy gambling addict. I agree with a previous poster that the Altman/Gould combo is stellar! Go see this one if you get the chance!!
That being said, Gould is magnificent in California Split as a sleazy gambling addict. I agree with a previous poster that the Altman/Gould combo is stellar! Go see this one if you get the chance!!