As a seasoned veteran of many a bender myself, let me tell you about my California Split Summer. It’s a time when the line between luck and fate blurs, and every roll of the dice feels like a cosmic dance.
As someone who has experienced countless summers myself, I can attest to the peculiar feeling of August – that aimless, hazy stretch where the days seem to blur together and weeks slip by unnoticed. The ubiquitous summer anthem that’s been inescapable all season suddenly becomes overbearing, the Olympics wind down, and it feels like every theater is showing Deadpool & Wolverine on repeat until the end of time. In these moments of cultural drift, I often find myself yearning for a fresh pop-cultural anchor to hold onto.
50 years ago this week, the film “California Split” by Robert Altman was unveiled, a tribute to gamblers and friendships born from mutual support of each other’s supposed vices. Our protagonists are two exceptionally handsome natives of Los Angeles who approach gambling differently. For Charlie (Elliott Gould), it’s more about maintaining his nomadic lifestyle and spending time in his preferred spots – racetracks and casinos. He desires to win, but the true joy lies in continuing to play. Bill (George Segal), however, gambles to fill an emptiness within himself. Although we never fully understand what that void represents, it appears that Bill is the one teetering on the edge of ruin among the two. After they meet at a poker game and share a night of heavy drinking, these men form an unbreakable bond, and the movie meanders through various bars and gambling establishments as their friendship deepens into a high-stakes spree.
In typical Altman fashion, the film possesses an unpolished, casual authenticity that defies conventional expectations, downplaying dramatic moments that other directors might have intensified. Contrasting with this is Steven Spielberg, who could be considered as Altman’s opposite, nearly directed the movie, and reportedly told its writer, Joseph Walsh, that his version would have been more profitable but not a “better picture.” The film’s plot is driven by the shared obsession of the two protagonists, yet Altman and Walsh, both being gamblers themselves, leisurely explore various settings, giving subtle insights into each character we encounter, from Charlie’s sex workers to elderly women in casinos. Even the background actors (some of whom were real gamblers, and some who were recovering addicts at a nearby rehabilitation center) have an authenticity seldom seen in Hollywood productions, providing a counterbalance to Gould and Segal’s star power by offering a documentary-style glimpse into a unique segment of American culture.
Essentially, our goal is to witness the boys express themselves freely and feel the powerful bond among them, experiencing both their triumphs and heartbreaks. In this regard, the movie does not disappoint, offering a plethora of fun moments that can inspire your own summer adventures.
Hey there, fellow adventurer! After years of experiencing the rollercoaster that is life, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the California Split Summer. Don’t let the number of bumps in the road – aka existential crises and personal lows – discourage you. Embrace them as part of the journey! Trust me; it’s an unforgettable adventure filled with fun moments that will stay with you long after the summer ends. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a California Split Summer like no other!
1.
Find a pal who encourages you to bet on anything and everything
Initially encountering each other at a poker table, our endearing underdogs later find themselves in the same bar. Bill appears to be solitary in his drinking, but Charlie’s nonstop chatter gradually softens him up. Eventually, Bill concedes, and director Altman swiftly transitions to a scene of the pair surrounded by numerous empty beer glasses, their conversation now spiraling in all directions. In no time, they’re wagering on who can list all seven dwarves. Charlie quips, “Sleepy, Grumpy, Dopey… we got Dumbo,” before they both forget about the bet and instead reminisce about Dumbo, a favorite topic for beer-swilling companions as they often do.
2.
Dress cool, but rarely (if ever) change outfits
In the second portion of those directions, it’s essential for experiencing an authentic California Summer reminiscent of “California Split”. Charlie, who appears to have minimal belongings, typically dons a sports jacket over a Hawaiian shirt, and swaps out the Hawaiian shirt at least once by the movie’s end. Despite his occupation in publishing that suggests a wardrobe filled with tweed jackets, Bill is so engrossed in his escalating gambling spree that he only displays a few variations of this style. Don’t hesitate to tolerate a bit of odor for the thrill.
3.
Rub shaving cream on your buddy’s wounds after getting your asses kicked together
In the film’s initial poker game, Charlie recklessly provokes a burly man named Lew (portrayed by Edward Walsh, brother of the screenwriter Joseph Walsh). This individual reappears multiple times in the storyline due to his gambling addiction, intersecting with our protagonists at the same locations. Suspecting Charlie and Bill of cheating, Lew and his posse attack them later that evening, inflicting injuries that force the pair to seek refuge at Charlie’s residence, which is shared by Barbara and Susan (played by Ann Prentiss and Gwen Welles). Upon reaching safety, a humorous scene unfolds as Bill and Charlie apply shaving cream to each other’s injured bodies – a makeshift treatment that might not be endorsed by medical professionals but provides an entertaining touch to the film’s somber moments characteristic of a California Split Summer.
4.
Use made-up nature facts to comfort someone who’s heartbroken
As a movie buff, I once tried to console a tearful friend by pointing out an intriguing fact about a colossal creature, “It’s like spotting a massive whale in the ocean,” I said, trying to shift her focus. In reality, there are barely two or three of these leviathans left on our planet. And here’s something mind-boggling: The tongue of the blue whale outweighs an adult African elephant! Though she didn’t believe me then, I hope she, and anyone else you share this with, will appreciate the attempt to bring a bit of wonder into their day.
5.
Blow off work at your boring publishing job to hit the racetracks
No one ever looked this good while line-editing or whatever, I can tell you that much.
6.
Bargain with a mugger
Occasionally in life, you just feel drained. It’s important to note that when indulging in a California Split Summer, understanding that being targeted by thieves can be an unavoidable part of frequenting shady places with substantial funds is essential. Two times in two nights? That’s excessive. Consider emulating the strategy of Charlie and sharing your winnings with the robber as a compromise. Make your decision based on this advice.
7.
Get cleaned out at an old-lady poker game
As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “In this film, it’s evident that Charlie had high expectations, but things didn’t go as planned. Two dashing young men, seemingly out of nowhere, join an elderly women’s poker game and, with their irresistible charm, manage to clean up without causing much resentment. However, the unpredictable nature of a California Summer isn’t just about sunshine and fun; it’s also about getting hit when you least expect it – often by an unexpected character like Flo, who has a habit of dropping her cards on the floor, adding another layer of chaos to the game.”
8.
Glumly walk down the street at dawn after losing at poker all night
In a California Split Summer, it’s not just about dealing with losses, but also about mastering the art of maintaining composure and style even in defeat. For instance, ensuring that I’m framed against the stunning backdrop of palm-tree-lined horizons as I gracefully step out of the camera’s view, adds a touch of elegance to those moments when luck isn’t on my side.
9.
Do the “one-armed piccolo player” routine
After abandoning your friend at a crucial moment and jetting off to Mexico, try to lift his spirits by performing an amusing one-armed piccolo routine. Essentially, you conceal one arm within your coat, then hold the instrument to your mouth with the other hand. Instead of playing it, just create sounds using your mouth. At the conclusion, offer a bow and hold the piccolo with the tip of your hidden hand, which should be visible from the opening in your pants zipper (this is somewhat suggestive humor). If done correctly, it might cheer him up enough to continue our shared escapade together.
10.
Crush some teenagers at pickup basketball and take their money
These overconfident youngsters likely don’t grasp the ups and downs Charlie has experienced throughout his time in the gambling world. They perceive an older individual as an easy target, someone they believe they can easily take some money from. However, by beating one of them in a game of one-on-one, Charlie imparts a lesson about those bitter moments of defeat that shape every life, and undeniably, any California Split Summer.
11.
Find one of the guys who mugged you, corner him in a bathroom, and promptly get your nose broken
During his last confrontation with Lew, Charlie masterfully uses unexpected tactics and catches him off guard in a restroom. When Charlie reveals himself, Lew whirls around and punches him, fracturing his nose. It appears that spending the summer like California Split calls for overestimating one’s intelligence compared to others. (To give credit where it’s due, Charlie eventually emerges victorious from the fight, leaving Lew sprawled on the floor as he snatches his money and stuffs toilet paper into his own bleeding nose.)
12.
Spend the rest of the summer with a bandage on your nose
Self-explanatory.
13.
Constantly talk over your friends
The film’s unique audio style, where characters like Bill and Charlie often interrupt each other, especially during losing streaks, isn’t directly derived from the movie script itself. Instead, it’s a result of Robert Altman’s innovative eight-track sound system used in its production. This technique, which highlights overlapping dialogue, is a reflection of the director’s thematic intentions. Given that Altman’s works, known for their sprawling dramas and complex characters, often emphasize peripheral actions through diffuse audio tracks, it should come as no surprise that his mixes can sometimes be confusing, especially during the chaotic casino scenes in California Split. As Paul Thomas Anderson, one of Altman’s disciples, humorously noted about the movie: “Good try, but I can’t hear a fucking word.” In essence, this summer, don’t forget to have lively conversations with your friends.
14.
Develop random superstitions
Regarding gamblers like Bill and Charlie, they don’t seem overly superstitious, yet they don’t dismiss odd occurrences either. For example, Bill repeatedly meets women named Barbara at crucial points in the movie, and just before a pivotal poker game in Reno where Bill plans his final stand (after losing money throughout the film), they walk past an elephant statue. In reference to their earlier encounter, Charlie advises Bill to “touch Dumbo’s trunk.” If you find this ‘spiritual’ element in the movie California Split dubious, consider how things turn out for Charlie and Bill soon after this scene…
15.
Kiss your friend on the mouth
Following Bill’s significant victories in poker and blackjack, the pair decides to test their luck further at the craps table. Remarkably, Bill continues to roll the precise numbers required, causing a palpable excitement among those gathered. In such exhilarating moments, what could express this shared elation more aptly than exchanging a heartfelt kiss with your companion?
16.
Have an existential crisis
Every valuable friendship involves someone ready to dampen the other’s spirits whenever necessary – that perpetual rain cloud. After finally striking it rich with a large sum of money, Bill is compelled to face the truth: his winning streak didn’t hold any profound significance – no unique connection to the cosmos that would ensure an eternal triumphant state. The fleeting hot streak was meant to signify something. But if it doesn’t, then what justification can there be for the chaos he wrought in pursuit of it? (We only catch glimpses of Bill’s personal life – enough to understand his gambling has left a trail of destruction.) After attempting to lift Bill’s spirits with his typical antics, Charlie eventually concedes and descends into the depths with him: “Doesn’t it mean anything at all?” They part ways as the credits roll while Charlie hums a tune and takes one final spin on the roulette wheel before exiting.
Didn’t you figure that your journey through the film “California Split” this summer wouldn’t conclude without another bout of depression, huh? If fortune favors you as it did for Bill, then perhaps this depression will also bring some lucidity: It’s high time to return home.
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2024-08-07 19:54