Little Murders (1971)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(1,027 ratings)

Actor Alan Arkin has an impressive film directorial debut with Little Murders, Jules Feiffer's bitter and moving satire (originally produced as an off-Broadway play). Elliot Gould (who also co-produced the film) plays Alfred Chamberlain -- a one time successful photographer who is now down on his… More Actor Alan Arkin has an impressive film directorial debut with Little Murders, Jules Feiffer's bitter and moving satire (originally produced as an off-Broadway play). Elliot Gould (who also co-produced the film) plays Alfred Chamberlain -- a one time successful photographer who is now down on his luck because he began to eliminate people from his photographs. He also suffers from an inability to feel or to be passionate about anything. But then Alfred meets Patsy Newqvist (Marcia Rodd), who takes it upon herself to mold Alfred into "a strong, vital, self-assured man, that I can protect and take care of." As their relationship develops and Patsy takes Alfred to meet her parents, they suddenly bang up against the brick wall of urban violence and insensitivity. In this world of senseless killings and madness, Alfred realizes that the only way to get back into the world is to become as insane as everyone else. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Alan Arkin
Genres: Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 9, 1971 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Great quirky script makes up for rather indifferent filming style.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The black comedy was torridly on target and eerily funny...

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This is a brilliant black comedy based on a great off Broadway play. The story is fantastic and comments on city life and the postmodern world in an outrageous way. I love this movie, and I recommend it.
Tim S

When my friends recommended this movie to me, I expected something a little different than what I got. Not that I was disappointed at all, this movie is probably one of the more original films I have seen in a long time. I loved the monologues and enjoyed the performances (Elliot… More
When my friends recommended this movie to me, I expected something a little different than what I got. Not that I was disappointed at all, this movie is probably one of the more original films I have seen in a long time. I loved the monologues and enjoyed the performances (Elliot Gould is amazing and it's a damn shame that some only know him as Monica's dad from Friends). The climax is a little out there, but I didn't mind it because I thought it fit with the rest of the film. The only problem I had was the performance of Alan Arkin who I thought was just annoying. Overall, very enjoyable and nice to see something out of the ordinary.
Adam M

probably a better play; movie sort of hammers in front of you but scenes are great on their own; Donald Sutherland's monologue is incredible
Michael G

If Kafka did nitrous, this is what you might get.
Keith M

A great satire that looks at a man that has just given up on society all together. What better a backdrop than NY in the 70s. Elliot Gould rules as the man who wanders the streets taking pictures of shit, cause nothing else gives him pleasure. The supporting cast really helps bring… More
A great satire that looks at a man that has just given up on society all together. What better a backdrop than NY in the 70s. Elliot Gould rules as the man who wanders the streets taking pictures of shit, cause nothing else gives him pleasure. The supporting cast really helps bring this story to life. Donald Sutherland as the crazy minster should have had his own film that character was so strong. I'm with Cody though the last 30 minutes turned this really good film into a down spiral. It made no sense why the film went in that direction and strayed off the perfect path it was on. I would really love to see the play for this sometime. I bet it would be real interesting to see on the stage.
cody f

Great writing and great acting. Early 70's Gould is always gold. The only problem I had with the film was it went from light to dark comedy in an instant and I didn't enjoy the film once it became dark. The movie was a bit long and that could be why I didn't enjoy the… More
Great writing and great acting. Early 70's Gould is always gold. The only problem I had with the film was it went from light to dark comedy in an instant and I didn't enjoy the film once it became dark. The movie was a bit long and that could be why I didn't enjoy the last 30 minutes as much. Gould and the supporting cast are awsome and the dialogue goes at rollercoaster speed. Good Flix.
Grifty G

Dark, funny, and occasionally shocking satire about the decay of America, especially New York, in the 70's. One of the great Elliot Gould roles, and every supporting character is used to the fullest. Great cameos by Donald Sutherland and Alan Arkin (who directed), and Vincent… More
Dark, funny, and occasionally shocking satire about the decay of America, especially New York, in the 70's. One of the great Elliot Gould roles, and every supporting character is used to the fullest. Great cameos by Donald Sutherland and Alan Arkin (who directed), and Vincent Gardenia as the father -in-law is hilarious. The dialog in this is great. This is an overlooked film you should check out.