Health

Health, also known under its full title as Health, or H.E.A.L.T.H., is a satirical ensemble comedy film directed by venerated filmmaker Robert Altman. Released in 1980, the film stars an impressive lineup of acclaimed actors, including Carol Burnett, Glenda Jackson, James Garner, and Lauren Bacall.

The plot of Health is set against the backdrop of an annual health food convention held at a lavish Florida hotel. The convention is an uproar of competing interests, with attendees including health food advocates, scientists, and manufacturers. In addition to the businesspeople hoping to cash in on the growing trend for wellness and healthy living, two rival health food promoters, appropriately played by Carol Burnett and Glenda Jackson, are vying for the position of President of the Health Food Association.

Carol Burnett plays Gloria Burbank, an official from the US Government Department of Health. She has been assigned to investigate and evaluate the merits of health food claims presented at the convention. Burbank is a picture of frantic nervousness as she navigates her way through strange therapies and offbeat personalities.

Glenda Jackson plays Isabella Garnell, a staunch health food advocate known for her resilience and strength. However, she has an eccentric lifestyle centered on peace, tranquility, and harmonious existence, which leads to juicy comedic scenes peppered throughout the film.

On the other hand, we have James Garner as the disarmingly charming private detective, Harry Wolff. He is there primarily to provide security details for a key figure at the convention. However, things take an interesting turn as he cross paths with Garnell and Burbank and ends up becoming more deeply embroiled in the affairs of the convention than he initially planned for.

Lauren Bacall further expands the lead ensemble, playing an energetic century-old woman seeking to prove that her health elixir is the secret to longer life. The ensuing struggle between the different factions at the health food association is as hilarious as it is bewildering, leading to some truly memorable cinematic moments.

Director Robert Altman, well-known for his satirical and ensemble-driven films like Nashville and MASH, once again uses this film to experiment freely with overlapping dialogue and improvisational acting. The oppression of commercialism and the tyranny of age are some of the major themes of the movie. The film lampoons the craze of the health food industry and the cultural significance it had at the time of release.

Health is also remarkable for its interesting narrative strategy which cleverly blurs the boundaries of cinema and reality. The film is interspersed with faux television news updates with the character of Dickinson, a crusading health journalist played by Dick Cavett, hosting confrontational interviews with the characters. In this way, the film offers a layered and intricate critique of television culture.

With its unconventional plot and vibrant characters, Health serves up a satisfying blend of satire and slapstick, peppered with Altman’s signature brand of humor. The performances are top-notch, with each of the stars showcasing their talent for comedy. Carol Burnett, Glenda Jackson, and James Garner all deliver performances that are as hilarious as they are thoughtful, each bringing a unique sense of life and vitality to their respective characters.

In conclusion, Health is an incisive satire that takes on the earnest obsessions of American life with humor and intelligence. Its commitment to its peculiar premise gives it a quirky charm that sets it apart from more mainstream fare. This film is a must-watch for fans of Altman's other works and those who appreciate clever comedy tied with social commentary. Despite some mixed reviews, it remains a unique and engaging art house comedy that still feels relevant four decades after its initial release.