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Brewster McCloud, released in 1970, is a dark comedy film that follows the story of a young man named Brewster McCloud. Directed by Robert Altman, the film features Bud Cort in the lead role along with Shelley Duvall and Sally Kellerman in supporting roles. Set in Houston, Brewster McCloud opens with a murder mystery. A woman is killed by an unknown assailant in the Houston Astrodome, which leads police to investigate the murder. Brewster McCloud, a quirky and reclusive young man who lives in a fallout shelter in the Astrodome, becomes the prime suspect in the case.

As the investigation unfolds, the film delves deeper into the life of Brewster McCloud. A tragic character, he is obsessed with birds and dreams of flying like them. He spends his time studying birds and constructing wings that he hopes will enable him to take flight. Brewster also has a romantic interest in Suzanne Davis, played by Sally Kellerman, who works at the Astrodome and takes an interest in his strange behavior.

The film is a satirical take on American culture and society, with the Astrodome serving as a metaphor for the American dream. The Astrodome, a symbol of progress and modernity, is depicted as a place of illusion and deceit, where people come to escape reality.

Brewster McCloud himself is a representation of the American dream, a young man who wants to break free from the confines of society and soar above the trappings of modern life. However, the film also explores the darker side of the American dream, as Brewster's obsession with birds becomes more and more destructive.

One of the most notable features of Brewster McCloud is its use of surreal and dreamlike imagery. The film incorporates a series of dream sequences which blur the lines between reality and fantasy, adding to the overall sense of surrealism.

The performances in Brewster McCloud are strong across the board, with Bud Cort delivering an excellent portrayal of the titular character. He captures Brewster's naivety, vulnerability and determination perfectly, creating a character that is both sympathetic and bizarre.

Shelley Duvall also shines in her supporting role as Suzanne's friend and co-worker, who has a crush on Brewster. Duvall brings a bubbly energy to the film, providing a refreshing contrast to the darker themes explored.

The film's score, composed by Gene Page, is also noteworthy. It features a mix of jazz and classical music, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the film.

Brewster McCloud received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following. It is a film that defies easy categorization, occupying a space somewhere between satire and surrealism. It is a unique and thought-provoking film that continues to captivate audiences today.

Brewster McCloud is a 1970 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 72.