Altman's version of 1930s Kansas City, depicting the contrasting lives of its citizens and the corrupting influence of unchecked power. The "leaders" fight to exploit each other and those who serve them; the latter are expendable. Meanwhile, the most exploited of all are busy inventing jazz. Memorable performances by Leigh as a tough, honest "ordinary" person and Richardson as a clueless, detached "aristocrat." The weak really believed in the clichéd family/community values, maybe because they felt helpless individually. Like Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the powerful "bestride the narrow world / Like a Colossus, and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about." They try to turn everything to their advantage. Obviously American society has improved since then. Maybe because of the WWII/Depression shocks.
Review of Kansas City
