Exploring Elliott Gould's Desire to Revisit 'The Long Goodbye' with Steven Soderbergh

Article Summary

The film noir genre, particularly The Long Goodbye, captured the essence of post-World War II America and its psychological angst and paranoia.

Elliott Gould's performance as Philip Marlowe in The Long Goodbye captured his distinct combination of suave charm, wit, and emotional depth as an actor.

Gould has openly expressed his interest in a sequel to The Long Goodbye, envisioning Steven Soderbergh as the ideal director due to his talent for innovative genre interpretations.

No genre captured American cinema in the 1940s quite like the film noir. Reflecting the dark underbelly of post-World War II America, film noir tapped into a hidden psychological angst and paranoia that surrounded the disruption of the idyllic Americana. The genre's iconic elements, including the bewildered private eye, the sinister femme fatale, and the smoky, shadow-filled atmospheres, continue to be explored and commented on by filmmakers like Robert Altman of New Hollywood. Altman's groundbreaking film noir, The Long Goodbye, stands as one of his greatest achievements. Now, its star, Elliott Gould, envisions a sequel to carry on the film's legacy for a new generation. And who does he endorse for the director's chair? None other than the renowned Steven Soderbergh.

The Long Goodbye

Release Date March 8, 1973Director Robert AltmanCast Elliott Gould, Sterling Hayden, Mark Rydell, David ArkinRuntime 112 minutesGenres Drama, Comedy, Crime

Elliott Gould's Stardom in the 1970s Reached Its Peak With 'The Long Goodbye'

Elliott Gould, once a prominent movie star in the 1970s, is now known as a reliable character actor. Surprisingly, he was also part of the esteemed "Five-Timers Club" among Saturday Night Live hosts. In his heyday, Gould's handsome appearance, along with his hippie-like speech and attitude, made him a prominent figure. He graced the cover of Time magazine in 1970 and was hailed as a "star for an uptight age," showcasing his suave sense of humor combined with a touch of poignancy. This unique blend of qualities complemented his work in dramedies of the time, particularly his Oscar-nominated performance in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and his first collaboration with Robert Altman in M*A*S*H.

Gould's talent and versatility as an actor reached its pinnacle in The Long Goodbye, a film adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel from 1953. The story centers around Philip Marlowe (played by Gould), Chandler's iconic character, who becomes entangled in a web of complicated plots involving the murder of his friend Terry Lennox's wife, Terry's debt to a mobster, and his relationship with a disillusioned writer named Roger Wade (portrayed by Sterling Hayden), who draws inspiration from Ernest Hemingway. Viewers who find themselves confused by the intricacies and coherence of the plot can be forgiven. Like the great film noirs that preceded it, such as Howard Hawks's The Big Sleep, starring Humphrey Bogart also as Marlowe, The Long Goodbye is more about creating a captivating atmosphere and vibe. Altman's interpretation of Marlowe's character is purposefully directionless, reflecting the director's commentary on Los Angeles as a corrupt wasteland controlled by powerful figures only concerned with their own interests.

Elliott Gould Asked Steven Soderbergh To Do a ‘The Long Goodbye’ Sequel

Gould's affinity for The Long Goodbye remained strong in 2019 when he took part in a Q&A session following the film's screening at Beyond Fest, a renowned genre film festival in Los Angeles. During the discussion about his collaborations with esteemed directors like Altman and Ingmar Bergman, Gould expressed his preference for Steven Soderbergh to direct a potential sequel to The Long Goodbye. Speaking at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Gould recalled leaving a text message for Soderbergh, with whom he has worked extensively, suggesting a discussion about a sequel. Gould, known for his role in Soderbergh's prescient pandemic thriller Contagion and his portrayal of Reuben Tishkoff in each installment of the Ocean's trilogy, did not disclose Soderbergh's response, if any, and there have been no official reports confirming the development of a sequel to the 1973 Altman film. In a 2019 interview at the New Beverly Cinema, Gould also revealed his interest in adapting Chandler's short story, "The Curtain," mentioning that he once possessed the rights to the book from the author's estate.

Gould conveyed his optimism for a potential future collaboration with Soderbergh during the Q&A session. He shared an anecdote about Soderbergh approaching him on the set of Ocean's Eleven, questioning whether Marlowe smearing ink on his face in The Long Goodbye was improvised (which it was). This moment seemed to leave a lasting impression on Gould, as Soderbergh's passion for the film was evident. Given Gould's age of 85, time is a crucial factor. A fresh take on Marlowe would undoubtedly need to address the concept of aging. In recent years, Gould has gained recognition for his recurring role in the television series Friends as Jack Geller, the father of Ross and Monica. He has also appeared in Ray Donovan, as well as one-off appearances in Grace and Frankie and The Kominsky Method.

The Long Goodbye possesses a cyclical nature. The film's ending, where Marlowe walks cheerfully down the street after killing Terry Lennox, signifies that the private investigator ultimately achieved nothing and is fated to shoulder another case beyond his capabilities. Continuing this melancholic story might appear exaggerated. However, the involvement of Soderbergh offers potential for a sequel to The Long Goodbye. His ability to honor Altman's direction and Chandler's writing while infusing his unique spin on the Marlowe character makes him a perfect fit. Soderbergh's enigmatic career, which included a brief retirement in 2013 before returning with increased productivity since 2017's Logan Lucky, adds to the allure of expanding upon The Long Goodbye.

Steven Soderbergh and Elliott Gould Would Be Perfect for the Sequel

Image via Warner Bros. 

The decision to approach Soderbergh about directing a sequel to The Long Goodbye was a smart move on Gould's part. Soderbergh has a proven talent for subversive genre films, as seen in his work on The Limey, a dark Los Angeles crime movie with echoes of Altman's film. While superficially resembling a B-grade flick, The Limey skillfully undermines the desire for revenge with a poignant sense of nostalgia for a bygone era in the city. Soderbergh's previous attempt at a Chandler-esque crime saga, The Underneath, failed to impress.

In addition to his formal skills, Soderbergh's biting humor aligns well with the sharp satire of Altman's movie. Films like Erin Brockovich, The Informant!, and Magic Mike showcase protagonists who face seemingly insurmountable challenges against powerful forces, such as unethical corporations and capitalism itself. From a broader perspective, Soderbergh's ability to expertly navigate different genres while still embracing their tropes is showcased in films like the Ocean's trilogy and Out of Sight, making him a perfect fit for a Long Goodbye sequel.

Despite the apprehension surrounding sequels in Hollywood, there is undoubtedly a strong desire for a continuation of The Long Goodbye if Elliott Gould and Steven Soderbergh collaborate. The original Robert Altman movie relies heavily on "vibes," disregarding intricate plot developments. Soderbergh, known for his reflective filmmaking style and visually captivating approach, is the perfect fit for this hypothetical endeavor. Steven, if you haven't already, respond to Gould's message and start working! The Long Goodbye can be streamed on Pluto TV in the United States.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am intrigued by the idea of a sequel to the classic film noir "The Long Goodbye." Elliott Gould's desire to revisit this iconic role and his endorsement of Steven Soderbergh as the director is an exciting prospect. Gould's unique blend of charm, wit, and emotional depth made his portrayal of Philip Marlowe in the original film truly memorable. His chemistry with Sterling Hayden as Roger Wade was electric, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the film.

Soderbergh's involvement in the project is also promising. His innovative approach to genre filmmaking, as seen in films like "Out of Sight" and "The Limey," makes him a perfect fit for a sequel to "The Long Goodbye." His ability to blend stylish visuals with complex storytelling would bring a fresh perspective to the film noir genre. Additionally, Soderbergh's frequent collaborations with Gould, including in the "Ocean's" franchise and "Contagion," suggest that they have a strong working relationship and mutual respect.