The stories of Raymond Carver provided the inspiration for a film which brings together fragments of the lives of the many principal characters. Each is carefully individualized, but taken together they create an image of contemporary lifestyles, while modern Los Angeles is also perceived as the mythical Babylon. Heterogeneous protagonists and plotlines unexpectedly intertwine and collide, the fantastic emerges from the every day, piddling details butt up against pivotal considerations, lacerating despair meets grotesque comicality, and the banal contrasts with moments worthy of the classical tragedy. Whether individuals or couples, their interests diverge and their relationships are full of misunderstanding, indifference, and resentment. No one is capable of learning a lesson, fatal flaws are constantly in circulation – and thus young Casey, suffering a long and quiet death, is made to serve as a sacrificial lamb for the redemption of sins that are committed again and again. In 1993 Venice’s Golden Lion fell to a film with a very dark message, in which Altman’s proverbial sarcasm chills to the bone.

The film is being presented on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Chris Penn's birth.