Watch Cookie's Fortune

Cookie's Fortune, directed by Robert Altman, is a delightful tale of a small Mississippi town where family secrets and petty feuds simmer just beneath the surface of everyday life. The story revolves around the death of the town's matriarch, Cookie, played by Patricia Neal, and the subsequent discovery of her will, which throws the town into chaos.

Glenn Close stars as Camille Dixon, Cookie's niece and closest living relative. Camille has always felt like an outsider in her own family, and when she is excluded from her aunt's will, she takes it as a personal insult. Julianne Moore is Cora Duvall, a local society queen who is not above manipulating those around her to get what she wants. Liv Tyler plays Emma Duvall, Cora's niece who has returned to town to look after her aunt's affairs.

As the police investigate Cookie's death, family secrets begin to surface, and rumors of foul play abound. Camille and Cora try to use the situation to their advantage, but their plans are complicated when Emma discovers the will and decides to honor it, despite her aunt's protests.

Altman masterfully weaves together the various plot threads, creating a vivid portrait of a town and its residents. The characters are all vividly drawn, with their flaws and idiosyncrasies on full display. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with each line delivering just the right amount of humor and pathos. The film's pacing is pitch perfect, with the tension building steadily to a satisfying climax.

At its core, Cookie's Fortune is a story about family and belonging. The characters are all searching for a place to belong, whether it's Camille trying to find her place in her own family, Cora trying to maintain her status in the town, or Emma trying to connect with her aunt. Each character approaches this search in their own way, often with humorous and unexpected results.

The film's setting is also an important part of its charm. The town of Holly Springs, Mississippi is a character in its own right, with its winding streets, crumbling buildings, and lush greenery. Altman takes full advantage of the town's rustic charm, using it to create a sense of nostalgia and nostalgia for a simpler time.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its cast. Glenn Close gives a nuanced and layered performance as Camille, and Julianne Moore is pitch perfect as the conniving Cora. Liv Tyler is also excellent as Emma, bringing a quiet strength and determination to the role. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with memorable performances from Charles S. Dutton as the local sheriff, Chris O'Donnell as a hapless lawyer, and Donald Moffat as the town doctor.

In the end, Cookie's Fortune is a charming and entertaining film that will leave you laughing and thinking long after the credits have rolled. It's a testament to Altman's skill as a director that he is able to create such a complex and engaging story with such a light touch. This is a film that is well worth watching, whether you're a fan of Altman's work or just looking for a good story.