Robert Altman dies

22-11-2006 12:30

Director Robert Altman has died.The acclaimed director of 'Nashville', 'Gosford Park' and 'MASH' passed away in a Los Angeles hospital on Monday (20.11.06), aged 81. The cause of death has not been disclosed.Altman, a five-time Best Director Oscar nominee, was given a lifetime achievement prize at Academy Awards this year for "a career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form". Upon accepting the award, Altman said: "No other filmmaker has gotten a better shake than I have. I'm very fortunate in my career. I've never had to direct a film I didn't choose or develop."My love for filmmaking has given me an entree to the world and to the human condition."One of Altman's final projects was a stage production of Arthur Miller's play 'Resurrection Blues' at London's Old Vic theatre.Kevin Spacey, who is artistic director of the theatre, said: "I am privileged to have worked with him. Robert Altman was a truly unique director and an extraordinary man. We are all saddened by this news and send our condolences to his family."