Popeye

Popeye (1980) is a live-action film adaptation of the long-established comic strip and animation character, Popeye the Sailor man, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Altman. The movie stars the extraordinarily talented and celebrated actor-comedian, Robin Williams, in his first-ever leading film role, bringing to life the quintessential spinach-chomping sailor with his one-of-a-kind flair for comedy and a remarkably precise recreation of the character's unique voice and mannerisms. Shelley Duvall, selected perfectly for the role, naturally portrays Olive Oyl with her lanky physique, comical expressiveness, and endearing charm that she lends generously to Popeye’s longtime love interest.

The narrative is woven with a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and adventure, with every character, moment, and element designed to portray not just the essence of the original cartoons, but the quintessential story of an underdog striving to do what's right in the face of challenge and adversity. The film is quite distinct from your typical comic strip adaptations, adhering to Altman's signature style of filmmaking which transposes surreal and cartoony situations into a very real, rusty, textured world.

Set in the quaint island town of Sweethaven, the plot initiates with the arrival of Popeye, the gruff, mumbling sailor, in search of his long-lost father. He soon finds himself smitten with Olive Oyl, a skinny, apparently clumsy, yet charming damsel, promising the viewers a sweet and silly romance. Supporting characters like Bluto, Wimpy, Swee'Pea, and a host of others add vibrant shades to the narrative and stay true to their comic strip counterparts. Ray Walston, as Poopdeck Pappy, provides stellar support, matching and complementing Williams’ enthusiastic portrayal of our spinach-chomping hero.

The movie's production design deserves special mention, with immense attention to detail given to recreate the cartoonish yet delectably rustic aura of Sweethaven. The sloping and lopsided houses, dilapidated buildings, and the overall composition of the set heavily contribute to the surreal, fantastical vibe of the original cartoons while retaining a unique charm of authenticity and realism.

Harry Nilsson's original music and songs, laden with goofy humor and heartfelt emotion, provide an unforgettable musical backdrop. The soundtrack not only accentuates the film’s whimsical ethos but also stands on its own as a cheeky and charming collection of songs. "He Needs Me," for instance, performed by Shelley Duvall, charmingly encapsulates Olive Oyl's longing and love for Popeye.

Robin Williams, an unparalleled comedic genius, delivers a uniquely endearing take on Popeye. His gift for improvisation and uncanny mimicry seamlessly adapts to the exaggerated physicality, verbal humor, and even the odd sentimentality integral to the character of Popeye. Beyond an impressively accurate impersonation, Williams brings with him a depth and warmth, breathing new life into this old-school character and marking the heart and soul of the movie.

Shelley Duvall, with her quirkiness and comic grace, seems to have been born to play Olive Oyl. Her natural physicality and unique screen presence perfectly sync with the character's comical charm and eccentric appeal. The chemistry between Duvall and Williams is both authentic and amusing, bringing an endearing depth to their on-screen relationship.

Despite it not strictly adhering to the traditional 'comic book adapted into a movie' formula, Robert Altman's Popeye remains an undeniably unique cinematic experiment that works both as a tribute to the original source material and as a standalone entity. It's a film brimming with laughter, heart, and, best of all, Robin Williams in his iconic comedic prime. The creative gamble of transcribing overly exaggerated characters from two-dimensional comic strip to the three-dimensional, real-world environment is certainly remarkable and a must-watch for any fan of the beloved sailor or Williams' comedy. It's a whimsical, nostalgic dip back into the world of classic animation, with a good-hearted and adventurous narrative that makes you root for its goofy hero until the end. Whether relished for its unique comedic aura or beloved for its central characters brought to life by talented performers, Popeye is a gem of a film standing tall in the realm of comic strip adaptations.