Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Year: 1982
Director: Robert Altman
Country: US
Language: English 

There are some film titles so strange that your curiosity peaks and you can't help but want to watch it. I first heard of this title in a dream; I left a restaurant called "the five and dime" and gave the waiter a generous tip, he graciously yelled out "come back to the five and dime!" and I woke up. I wondered what a "five and dime" was so I looked it up on the internet and came across the IMDB section for Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Considering Cher was cast in the film I didn't expect much, but it surprised me.

In the film, the Disciples of James Dean meet up on the anniversary of his death and mull over their lives in the present and in flashback, revealing the truth behind their complicated lives. Altman attempts to answer many questions such as identifying the real story behind Mona's son, James Dean Junior.

After Robert Altman directed one of his many masterpieces known as Nashville, he found himself temporarily out of work and therefore took a two year break from the world of cinema. When he returned Altman proved that he was a force to be reckoned with; his next three films, Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982), Streamers (1983), and Secret Honor (1984),  being incredibly  powerful. These three films had a minimalistic approach, using only one set piece in which the drama would burst. Based on a theatrical play, Come Back would be set over a diner. Though there is a lot of talking, none of it is useless banter. All of the dialogue is important as it greatly contributes to character and/or plot. As typical for Altman, his script is near perfection.

Being the First American film distributed by American independent film distributor Cinecom, Altman wasn't allowed and didn't need a big budget for this picture. His talent, and the talent of his actresses, could achieve a lot regardless of financial contribution. Cher, Karen Black and Sandy Dennis are marvelous actors who do anything but bore us the 109 minutes they are onscreen. The most remarkable aspect of Come Back is Altman's technical way of presenting the flashback scenes. He isn't using sophisticated optical effects, but rather looking through a two way mirror.

In conclusion, it's unfortunate that though Robert Altman is a well known Director and many of his films are readily available on home video, Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean is almost forgotten by cinephiles and critics. To be fair, compared to Altman's masterpieces like Nashville, 3 Women and McCabe and Mrs.Miller, this picture doesn't seem that great. However it is still better that his film adaptation of Mash. 3.5/5