Robert Altman (1925-2006) was an influential American film director, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for his distinctive style and his ability to deconstruct cinematic genres.

His career took off with *MASH* (1970), an irreverent black comedy that established his anti-conventional approach and his use of large ensemble casts. Among his most significant films are masterpieces such as the anti-epic Western *McCabe & Mrs. Miller* (1971), the ensemble musical drama *Nashville* (1975), and the intense psychological study *3 Women* (1977).

In the 1990s and 2000s, he returned to prominence with acclaimed works such as the Hollywood satire *The Player* (1992), the mosaic of stories *Short Cuts* (1993), and the ensemble mystery *Gosford Park* (2001). His style is characterized by overlapping and naturalistic dialogue, a sense of improvisation, and an often satirical and cynical approach to exploring American society and its institutions. He left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.